The Local Government Management Services Board was established in 1997 to be a centre of excellence in the provision of management services, human resource and industrial relations support and advice to local authorities in Ireland.
Today the LGMSB employs 34 employees and is located in a new, state of the art, purpose built office building on Ushers Quay. Four divisions exist within the LGMSB: corporate services, human resources, industrial relations and OLAM. The managers within the LGMSB have broad backgrounds from public, private and semi-state organisations and are specialists in the areas of management, human resources, industrial relations, health & safety and training & development. There is also a dedicated administration and support team. The LGMSB has an excellent reputation within the local government sector and is viewed as a centre of excellence in the areas of human resources, industrial relations and management services.
The range of support services provided by the LGMSB has grown significantly over recent years. This arises mainly from the additional requirements of new national and European legislation, government requirements and the need to implement best practice.
1. Human Resource Division
The human resource division undertakes research and development of human resource strategies and polices to support local authorities in meeting service delivery requirements. Guidance, advice and support is given to local authorities on how to effectively address the training and development needs of their employees in order to meet future operational targets. A wide range of advice and support on legislation and human resource issues in areas such as equality of opportunity, diversity and disability is also provided. They provide advice, information and guidance based on international best practice and standards to assist local authorities to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This division supports, oversees and reviews the implementation of the modernisation agenda in partnership through the Joint Management / Union Forum, the Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG). They facilitate many networks in the local authority sector.
2. Industrial Relations Division
The industrial relations division assists with the research, preparation and conduct of negotiations and discussions with trade unions and staff associations. They facilitate the effective operation of the Local Authority National Council (LANC) forum for processing all industrial relations claims with national implications. They play a central role in ensuring the delivery of the provisions of Towards 2016 (continuance of the delivery of the modernisation agenda, maintenance of stable industrial relations and adherence to the pay elements of the agreement). A core function is the professional representation for local authorities at third party proceedings including the labour relations commission, rights commissioner hearings, employment appeals tribunal and the labour court. They also provide information, analysis and guidance to local authorities on employment rights and details of new and amended legislation.
3. OLAM Division
The Office for Local Authority Management (OLAM) identifies emerging issues which impact on the local government system and on which coherent, integrated responses are required in order to achieve successful outcomes. They research and develop responses to issues which reflect best practice nationally and internationally. OLAM represents the local authority management perspective appropriately, nationally and internationally and works in partnership with the DoEHLG, other government departments and the representative associations in the best interest of the local government system.
4. Corporate Services Division
Corporate services support the LGMSB through recruitment, development and retention of highly skilled employees. They ensure compliance with all statutory legal, governance and ethical requirements. Finance, I.T. and internal human resources are part of their key roles. Corporate services provide legal and administrative services to the LGMSB board, its committees, as well as to management and staff.