Agenda and minutes

To receive details of any Members appointed to attend the meeting instead of a Member of the Sub-Committee.

Councillor Stephen Hodgson substituted for Councillor Chris Bayliss (Vice-Chairman)

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Sub-Committee.

None.

Of the meetings held on 28^th June, 30^th August, 1^st September and

13^th November 2017 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED THAT: the minutes of the meetings held on 28^th June 2017, 30^th August 2017 and 1^st September 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

AMENDED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th November 2017 be approved as a correct record subject to Item 15 being amended to include the sentence: “They further agreed that the Pension  Discretions Policy should be amended to allow further such requests to be considered in the future.”

1.      To approve the introduction of  an independent Absence Management Service which includes a dedicated 24/7 telephone line, nurse-led telephone reviews and real-time management reports.

2       To approve investment in wellbeing initiatives to proactively assist employees in staying healthy at work, encouraging good lifestyle choices and to make the Council an attractive place to work.

The Head of People Services presented a report regarding the adoption of a 24/7 telephone line Absence Management Service. It was noted that although absence figures have previously decreased they are again rising.

The introduction of such a service was discussed. Line managers would receive an email explaining that an employee had called in sick, but would still undertake a return to work interview. A qualified Occupational Health Nurse would be better placed to advise staff on their illness and recovery.

A 25% improvement in sickness is expected, this is backed by looking at case studies. It was noted that the Unions were broadly in favour with a few reservations. They would like the proposal to be re-examined in 12 months.

There was further discussion regarding Wellbeing Initiatives. All agreed these were a good idea, but feedback from the workforce was required.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee:

1.   Approve the introduction of an Independent Absence Management System which includes a dedicated 24/7 telephone line. Nurse-led telephone reviews and real-time management reports and

2.   Approve investing in well-being initiatives to proactively assist employees in staying healthy at work, encouraging good lifestyle choices and to make the Council an attractive place to work.

That Personnel & General Purposes Sub Committee  approve the adoption of the Redundancy, Redeployment and Change Management Policies

The Head of People Services presented his report on Redundancy, Redeployment and Change Management Policies to the Sub-Committee.

The current policies came into effect in December 2008 and were therefore long overdue for review. Trade Unions had been consulted and supported the revised policies.

RESOLVED THAT: the Sub-Committee approve the adoption if the Redundancy, Redeployment and Change Management Policies.

That the Personnel & General Purposes Sub Committee  approves the adoption of a new Labour Market Force’s Supplement Policy following the implementation of Paymatters.

The Head of People Services presented his report on Labour Market Forces Supplement Policy.

In order to attract and retain high performing staff with the skills, knowledge and experience to meet the changing needs of service delivery a Labour Market Forces Supplement policy would ensure that when grading for a post results in an inability to successfully recruit to ensure the post is filled.

Trade Unions have also been consulted and supported the policy.

RESERVED THAT: the Sub-Committee agree to adopt the a new Labour Market Forces Supplement Policy following the implementation of Paymatters.

That the Personnel & General Purposes Sub Committee  approve the proposed amendments to existing Subsistence rates in line with HMRC rules. (Appendix 1)

The Head of People Services presented his report regarding Subsistence Expenses for Employees. The current rates in use had not been amended since 1997. The proposed amendment would bring Subsistence rates in line with HRMC.

The Sub-Committee discussed Mileage rates. These are currently 45p per mile for vehicles and 20p per mile for bicycles.

It was felt that greener cars with lower emissions should benefit from a higher mileage allowance. The Committee felt this needed further discussion.

RESOLVED THAT: The Sub-Committee approve the proposed amendments to existing Subsistence rates in line with HRMC with the stipulation that a higher rate for greener vehicles should be further investigated.

Which in the opinion of the Chairman is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

The Chairman agreed to consider this matter as an item if urgent business. There was a discussion regarding Safeguarding Training for Members and whether this should be mandatory. It was noted that the current Workforce Development plan does not address the inclusion of Members.

The Sub-Committee went on to consider other training including Health and Safety, ICT Security and Prevent training.

RESOLVED THAT: The Sub-Committee agreed that Training for Members should be included in the agenda of the next meeting, scheduled for 28^th February 2018.

The Sub-Committee is invited to pass the following resolution:

That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100 (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

Of the meeting held on 30^th August and 1^st September 2017 to be approved and signed.

It was noted that recruitment to the post of Corporate Director has now been concluded. Andrew Round has been appointed and will take up his role early in the new year.

RESOLVED THAT:  the minutes (exempt items) at the meetings held on 1^st September 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.