Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence are noted above.

Members of the Employment Panel are asked to consider whether they

have any interests in any of the items on the agenda and if so, to formally

declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

A report from Councillor Simpson; Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing is attached.

Further to the published agenda and following a request from the Executive Director of Commissioning, Will Blandamer, the Chair agreed that the agenda would be re-ordered and agenda item 6 would be considered first.

In considering the item, the Panel resolved to exclude the press and public for this item only.

The Executive Director outlined the report and explained the rational for the Community Commissioning and Adult Social Services senior structure, this included a financial saving and a request to progress a candidate to interview stage to fill the role of Director of Community and Commissioning and Statutory Director of Adult Social Services. Members discussed the report and sought further information around how the candidate meets the essential criterial of the role.

It was agreed:

1.           Further work to be completed outlining how the candidate meets the essential criteria for the Director of Community and Commissioning and Statutory Director of Adult Social Services role before agreement can be reached to progress the candidate to final interview. Members agreed that subject to the essential criteria being met, they would progress the candidate to final interview outside of the Committee. 

2.           That the proposed interview presentation and questions appended to the report be agreed.

3.           That the revised role of Assistant Director of Adult Social Care Operations, which has been re-evaluated from Band E to Band D within the Council’s Chief Officer structure be agreed. 

A report from Councillor Rafiq; Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs & HR is attached.

Sam McVaigh, Director of People and Inclusion presented a report which outlined the changes that have been made to the Health and Safety Policy.

It was reported that the Health and Safety Joint Consultative Committee had considered and endorsed this substantively rewritten policy. The revised policy has been developed in conjunction with the health and safety team, legal and trade union representatives.

In response to a member’s question around health and safety checks, it was explained that a member of the health and safety team has completed a course to become a health and safety auditor. An annual schedule of health and safety audits will take place. An annual health and safety report will be produced on a yearly basis and go through the Cabinet Committee. It was explained that the Audit Committee will be sighted on health and safety activities in response to the recent Audit.

In a response to a member’s question around agile working, it was explained that there is reference in the policy to agile working. It was suggested that the health and safety policy be strengthened around agile working. 

In a response to a member’s question around having a health and safety contact for members, it was explained that this is something that is being strengthened within the members induction process which will include advice around members safety, health and safety, and routes for reporting incidents.

In a response to a member’s question around involvement with trade unions, it was explained that the policy has been developed in partnership with trade union representatives and that trade union representatives have a strong link with health and safety.

In a response to a member’s question around health and safety training for managers and staff, it was explained that there is a strong programme of training in high risk operational services and plans to develop a complementary programme of core basic training for all managers. Further work will be carried out to ensure health and safety is robust, this will be a part of the health and safety improvement programme.

In a response to a member’s question around insurance policies, it was explained that the insurance team were one of the consultees when developing this policy.

It was agreed:

That the revised Health and Safety Policy be approved once the policy has been strengthened to reflect agile working.

A report from Councillor Rafiq; Cabinet Member for Corporate Affairs & HR is attached.

Sam McVaigh, Director of People and Inclusion presented a report which outlined the revision to section 6 of the local conditions of service: travelling, subsistence and housing. 

In a response to a member’s question around budget savings, it was explained that the £300K savings is realistic and will be deducted from budgets from April 2022. The budget savings will be closely monitored.

In response to a member’s question around set figures for mileage, it was explained that there is a more detailed guidance that explains mileage. There are three different mileage rates payable.

In response to a member’s question around encouraging staff to use electric cars, it was explained that this is encouraged through the salary sacrifice car loan scheme that is focused on lower emission, hybrid and electric vehicles. A number of council staff take advantage of the scheme. 

In response to a member’s question around the uptake of staff claiming a bicycle allowance, it was explained that this would be looked into, but it was thought that the uptake on claiming bicycle allowance would be low.

It was agreed:

1.           That the proposed revisions to Section 6 of the Local Conditions of Service be approved.

2.           Sam McVaigh to explore the uptake of the bicycle allowance scheme.

There was no urgent business.