Report by the Chief Executive and Finance/Admin Officer

B.            Recommendation

                1. Note the matters raised

1.1 The Biodiversity officer post was recruited in Autumn 2005 following receipt of a grant offer from CCW and Ingrid Iredale commenced work in December 2005 on a one year contract. Unfortunately Ingrid became unwell in summer 2006 and was forced to take what has now become long term sick leave from July 2006. Ingrid has now informed us that she will not be able to return to her post in the foreseeable future. By mutual agreement, her contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of November 2006.

1.2 We would like to register sincere thanks to Ingrid for her vital work over 3 years with the Committee, particularly on the Lobster V notching scheme. We wish her a quick and full recovery and every success for the future.

1.3 The Biodiversity post is important to assist the Committee in meeting its environmental obligations arising from recent EU and UK legislation including the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006. A replacement Biodiversity Officer has now been appointed on a short term contract to complete the 1 year CCW funded project. As a result of the delay and as reported for Agenda Item 9, CCW have agreed that the completion deadline for the project should be 28 February 2007.

1.4 Officers are negotiating with CCW a possible extension to the Biodiversity and Fisheries Officer post.

2.1 Senior Fishery Officer Keith Stone reached retirement age in November 2006 and requested to continue working under the provisions of new legislation up to end March 2007 at the latest.

2.2 Officers have started recruitment of a replacement Fishery Officer for the Cardigan Bay area by advertising in Fishing News, local press and a number of other circulated bulletins. Our plan is to recruit in time to allow a short period of overlap with SFO Stone to provide the new officer with an induction to the job.

STEPHEN ATKINS

Chief Executive

JOHN DAVIES

Finance/Admin Officer

21 November 2006

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