Agenda and minutes

Before the formal proceedings, the Chair, Councillor Ann Turner, reminded members of the council’s procedure regarding the recording of meetings.

Members will disclose any pecuniary and any other significant interests they may have in relation to the matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Employment and Appeals Committee held on Monday 1 November 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1 November 2021 were confirmed as a correct record.

Report of the Human Resources Manager to present to the Employment and Appeals Committee additions and amendments to Human Resource Policies.

The Human Resources Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer, Jane Collier, submitted a report presenting six of the council’s Human Resources policies and working arrangements that had been reviewed.

Jane Collier introduced the report and provided members with a brief overview of the policies. 

Jane Collier explained that section two of the policy had been revised to reflect government guidance on Covid-19 and self-isolation. She added that this amendment might be subject to change and brought back to the committee due to further amendments to guidance.

She also explained that there had been changes made to the setting of targets and review periods at Stage 2 formal absence meetings. Following a question put by a member of the committee, Jane Collier explained that the revised policy intended for absence thresholds to be reset for a 12 month period.

The Chair summarised that this amendment allowed for employees to start again before progressing to Stage 3 and potential dismissal, therefore, was to the benefit of the employees.

Jane Collier introduced the new Hybrid Working Policy and explained that it replaced the previous Agile Working Policy. She highlighted that the policy had been drafted in line with the rollout of the council’s Hybrid Working Programme.

She explained that the policy was well received by employees; however, some managers had accommodated further conversations with employees. 

A member questioned the review period of the policy. Jane Collier assured the committee that the policy would be flexible to the operational needs of the council.

Some members discussed the emotional and mental health benefits from working in the office environment and the innovation and collaboration that can result from working closely as a team. 

In response to a question from members, Jane Collier explained that at present no departments were working 100 per cent home-based.

Jane Collier explained to the committee that there had been no legislation change that merited amendments to the Discretionary Policy.

Jane Collier introduced the relevant extract of the Pay and Toil Policy and explained that this had been updated to include a TOIL accruement limit of 37 hours (pro-rata). If employees wished to accrue more than 37 hours, this would require Director approval.

Jane Collier explained the Flexible Working Policy was updated with the inclusion of a reference to the new Hybrid Working Styles.

Members asked questions and received answers regarding Flexitime.

Jane Collier clarified that the Fostering Policy had slight amendments made.

Following a question, it was explained that at present,there were no employees who used this policy, nevertheless, the policy remained in place as the council was committed to supporting employees who become foster parents.

Following discussion, the committee approved all of the following Human Resources policies and arrangements:

-       Promoting Attendance and Managing Sickness Absence

-       Hybrid Working Policy

-       Employer Discretions Policy

-       Pay and TOIL Policy Extract

-       Flexible Working

-       Fostering Policy