Issue - meetings

A report from the Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Councillor Rafiq is attached. 

Councillor Rafiq, Cabinet Member Corporate Affairs and HR presented a report to Cabinet outlining proposals for a new agile working model pilot for the town centre sites.  The Cabinet member reported that there is a real opportunity to now build on this approachthrough new, agile ways of working for Council and CCG staff which drive the productivity of the workforce; further the ambition for carbon neutrality and will help manage the risk of the poor condition of much of the Council’s office estate.

The pilot sites are proposed to mitigate immediate risks around the condition of the Town Hall site in particular. The new way of working is proposed as part of the emerging corporate transformation programme, with specific objectives to:

·         improve staff wellbeing

·         deliver cashable and non-cashable savings from estate costs

·         contribute to wider strategy – this case digital and carbon neutrality strategies and

·         enhance the Council’s profile as a flexible and attractive employer.

Delegated decision:

Cabinet agrees to:

1.   Note that the Town Hall will not be available for office use other than the ground and 50% of first floor

2.   Agree the principle of the agile working model, as a basis for consultation with the Trades Unions

3.   Agree the proposed pilot of an agile working model in the Town Hall and 3 Knowsley Place, at a maximum occupancy of 50%, to take place when infection levels allow a return to an office base

4.  Agree that a team is appointed as part of the capital programme to deliver the pilot and establish the longer term business case

Reasons for the decision:

The Council has obligations as an employer to ensure the health safety and wellbeing of

its staff, as well as others accessing its premises. This report focuses on those issue

and makes proposals for a longer terms strategy to balance the interests of all whilst

meeting those obligations. It is appropriate to consult with the union on the proposals as

well as considering any contractual implication. These alongside the associated HR

policies will require review and alignment.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.