Issue - meetings

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development submitted a report outlining a new employee volunteering programme.  The HR Officer provided a summary of the report. 

Councillor P Ballam supported the scheme and wondered whether the Council should be promoting Trustee roles.  Councillor J Goodeve queried whether individuals involved in charity work could impact positively in terms of their Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) and the possible award of a higher grade.  The HR Officer explained that this would not affect their grades, but an individual’s skill set might benefit from the voluntary work.  Councillor Goodeve supported the initiative, adding that this would bring the Council into a positive light in terms of its corporate social responsibility.

The issue of insurances and legal liability were debated.  It was suggested that the programme should clearly set out a volunteer’s legal liability and obligations, while working for the Council.  This was supported.

The Committee noted the new Employee Volunteering Programme.

RESOLVED – that (A) the new employee volunteering programme be noted; and

(B)   the volunteering programme be amended to clearly establish a volunteer’s legal liability and obligations while employed by the Council.