Agenda and minutes

It was moved by Councillor Haysey and seconded by Councillor Dumont, that Councillor Ward-Booth be appointed Chairman and Jackie Bruce be appointed Vice-Chairman for 2021/22. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – Councillor Ward-Booth be appointed Chairman and Jackie Bruce be appointed Vice-Chairman for 2021/22.

To receive apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Nicola Munro. It was noted that Paul Stevens was acting as a substitute for Nicola Munro, but would be a permanent Panel Member going forward. It was noted that Julie Pomfrett had resigned from her role as Panel Member.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2021.

It was moved by Councillor Dumont and seconded by Councillor Ward-Booth, that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 January 2021 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Committee meeting held on 20 January 2021 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

To receive any Members’ Declarations of Interest.

Councillor Buckmaster declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he had a family member who was an apprentice at the Council.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (HR and OD) briefly introduced the report and explained that four policies had been redeveloped, the Appeals Policy had been reduced, and the addition of minor clauses to three other policies was proposed.

In relation to the Capability Policy, the Head of HR and OD explained that the name of this policy had changed, in line with best practice. The policy had been made more concise and adaptable, as well as the use of ‘stages’ being introduced in place of ‘warnings’. The framework of stages had been made clearer and generally improved. UNISON welcomed the changes.

The Vice-Chairman said that the addition of a flowchart to the policy had been discussed with the Head of HR and OD, as recommended by UNISON and East Herts Together, to provide a visual aid. The Head of HR and OD confirmed that this would be added.

Councillor Dumont asked whether a probationary period would be applicable if a staff member voluntarily redeployed to a new role.

The Head of HR and OD said that the staff member would remain on the same stage, but their targets would be related to their new role. Voluntary redeployment would be considered subject to business need, and provided a useful alternative to dismissal.

Councillor Buckmaster asked why the use of ‘Director’ had been removed from the policy in favour of ‘member of Leadership Team’. He also asked, in view of the removal of three year reviews, whether new legislation would automatically be added to policies, or whether the Panel would need to review the changes on each occasion.

The Head of HR and OD said that the removal of references to Directors was to bring the policy in line with updated corporate language, as Heads of Service had replaced Directors. He also said that minor changes may be agreed between HR and UNISON, but significant changes would be considered by the Panel.

Councillor Haysey thanked Officers for their work on the policy and welcomed the addition of a flowchart.

It was moved by the Chairman and seconded by the Vice-Chairman that the recommendation, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the revised Capability Policy be approved.

In relation to the Flexible Working Request Scheme, the Head of HR and OD said that this had been strengthened and an appeals procedure added. All flexible working requests would be given fair consideration.

It was moved by Councillor Ward-Booth and seconded by Councillor Haysey that the recommendation, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (B) the revised Flexible Working Request Scheme be approved.

In relation to the Recruitment and Induction Policy, the Head of HR and OD said that there had been a significant redevelopment. The policy now incorporated safer recruitment, was strengthened on equality, and allowed sensible flexibility within recruitment,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

There are no reports by the Secretary to the Staff Side.

There were no reports by the Secretary to the Staff Side.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chairman of the meeting, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration and is not likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information.

There was no urgent business.