Issue - meetings

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development submitted a report inviting Members to review the updated Employee Handbook.  The Head provided a summary of the key changes since its last review.  The Chairman sought clarification and made a number of suggestions in relation to the following:

·        publication of the handbook on line;

·        the removal of names from the Council’s structure;

·        an explanation of the relationship between the Local Joint Panel and Human Resources Committee;

·        addition of the Local Weighting Allowance;

·        Retirement Gift – clarification of the award rather than the wording “lump sum”.  It was suggested that it should be changed to read “a gift to the value of” and that this figure be reviewed.  This was supported; 

·        Discounts at East Herts Leisure Facilities – clarification that this was also available to Members;

·        Whistleblowing Policy – it was noted that the Performance Audit and Governance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 4 July 2017, wanted to review the Policy.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that the policy fell within the remit of Human Resources Committee; and

·        Standards of Dress – especially on “dress down Friday”.

Members noted the changes to the Employee Handbook and supported the suggestion that names be removed from the Council’s structure and that the Retirement Gift lump sum be reviewed.

RESOLVED – that (A) revisions to the updated Employee Handbook as amended, be approved; and

(B)   the Retirement Gift lump sum be reviewed.