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The Council's re-organisation of its Committee and departmental
structure and its review of gradings and establishment together with London
Boroughs' Management Services Unit 0 & M Reports presented the main challenges
to Administration during the years under review. In none of these interrelated
areas had final solutions been reached as 1969 gave way to 1970.
The Children's, Health & Welfare and Housing Departments came together
on 24th May, 1968, to form the Health and Family Services Department, comprising
Health, Welfare, Children's, Housing and Administration Sections.
The Council's decision to review the departmental structure in the light of
the report of the Seebohm Committee was implemented in December 1968 by the
setting up of a Social Services Division comprising Children's, Welfare and
some social work functions previously contained in Health.
Based on the principles of the Maud and Mallaby reports the concept
of Administration expressed in the re-organisation was one which applied in
the Health and Welfare Department (where its implementation in practical
terms was reaching fruition) but was new, in the sense of practical application,
to Children's and Housing Departments where circumstances were different. In
order to start planning for the expected new departmental situation a meeting
of senior administrative staff was held on 9th April, 1968, with terms of
reference "to discuss the function of a central administration section in the
proposed Health and Family Services Department with particular reference to
liaison between sections of the department on management services matters".
The report of this meeting was adopted as a working brief for departmental
administration in the areas of management services. Procedural
instructions were subsequently issued covering supplies, finance, accounting
and allied matters and staffing and establishment responsibilities.
The 1968 Review of Gradings and Establishments proposed a reduction
in the number of administrative, clerical, secretarial and typing staff in
the department with a strengthened grading structure: this was accepted by
Council and provided an authoritative basis on which future developments
arising from the requirements of the operational services could be built.
The ratio, of headquarters administrative, clerical and typing staff to
operational staff and manual staff in the department (1:10) is favourable,
a point which appears to be demonstrated by statistics provided by the
Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.
Only by a continuing process of methods study and improvement and
job adjustments was it possible during 1968 and 1969 to contain the necessary
administrative and clerical support services against the development of
operational staff and services. On methods the reports of the London
Boroughs' Management Services Unit have proved of value as have the services
of the Internal 0 & M Officer whose assistance to the department during 1968
and 1969 was welcomed not only for the way in which it was extended but for
the validity of his advise on work methods.
Studies carried out with his assistance were:-
Procedures for the Observation and Handicap Register
Clinic Activities, including health visitors' and clinic records
Work of Borough staff (social worker and clerk) attached to the
Chest Clinic, St. Helier Hospital.
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