The Council’s current HR and Payroll system was procured in 2018 under a 5-year contract, with the option to extend for up to 5 additional years. The second 2-year extension is due to end in March 2027, and a decision has now been made to utilise the final 1-year extension permitted under procurement and contract rules, extending the contract to March 2028.

To ensure continuity of service and to take advantage of modern, more efficient technologies, it is proposed that the tender process for a replacement system should commence in 2026. This timeline allows sufficient lead-in for a well-managed transition and avoids overlap with other major system implementations. It also takes into account strategic planning around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), ensuring alignment with broader organisational changes.