Agenda and draft minutes

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 approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Employment and Appeals Committee held on 28 October 2024.

The minutes of the meeting of the Employment and Appeals Committee held on Monday 28 October 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by those who were in attendance.

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

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager, Jane Collier, submitted a report presenting three policies and procedures that had been amended and one new policy.

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

Jane introduced the policy and explained that the initial policy was drafted following the council’s return to work after the Covid lockdown. She highlighted that the amendments to the policy had been subsequent to an audit.

Section 5.8 had been added to ensure that all new starters have a Hybrid Working discussion form completed as part of their induction. Section 5.10 had also been added to ensure the Hybrid Working Discussion Form is reviewed during the annual appraisal. Section 6.7 had been updated to ensure staff keep their calendars up to date when working from home or in the office.

Jane confirmed that the other changes to this policy were minor and the Hybrid Working Guidance had also been updated in line with policy changes.

Jane responded to a question regarding officer contactability. She explained that there were guidance documents in relation to contactability but they were not policy. She confirmed that the expectation was that officers were just as contactable when working from home as they were when in the office.

Jane responded to a question in relation to the split between working in the office and at home. She highlighted that the expectation was for staff to be in the office more than at home. She mentioned that this was different in every department.

Jane responded to a question regarding measuring productivity. She confirmed that productivity was difficult to measure however the responsibility would be on managers to manage their teams.

Members mentioned that the policy was clear and easy to understand.

Jane introduced this policy and explained that there had been minor amendments made throughout this policy.

Jane responded to a question in relation to working from home. She confirmed that staff should be fit for work wherever they were attending.

Jane clarified medical/hospital appointments.

Jane introduced this policy and explained that there were no changes to legislation or policy so no amendments made to this policy.

Jane introduced this policy and explained that whilst harassment was already included in the Equal Opportunities Policy and Resolution Policy, there was a new duty under the Equality Act 2010 that required employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. It was therefore determined that a standalone harassment policy was needed.

Members praised all four policies.

After further discussions, the committee approved each of the following Human Resources policies and arrangements:

• Hybrid Working Policy
• Promoting Attendance and Managing Sickness Absence
• Employers Discretions
• Harassment Policy