Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 19^th July, 2018 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meetings held on 19^th July 2018 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no items of urgent business authorised by the Chairman.

The Chairman advised the meeting of a revision to the order of the agenda.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following items:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A and Part 2 of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Report of the Monitoring Officer. 

The Monitoring Officer presented a report in order for the Personnel Committee to consider the adoption of a summary process for persistent complainants and dismiss a complaint against a senior officer, which had been referred to the Committee by a persistent complainant.  Details of the complaint were set out in the exempt report.  It was noted that the authority had a duty of care to its employees and persistent complaints by individuals who used the complaints process in order to influence decision-making might not be beneficial to the organisation.  A summary process would permit persistent or vexatious complaints to be identified and dealt with in a similar manner to the Standards Committee process with the Monitoring Officer consulting with the Independent Person to establish whether there was any merit to the complaint.

Resolved:

(1)          That the complaint, as set out in the exempt report, be dismissed and a summary process similar to that used for the Standards Committee be adopted for persistent complainants.

The press and public were re-admitted at this point.

The Monitoring Officer left the meeting at this point and the Chief Executive joined the meeting.

Report of the Interim HR Manager. 

The Interim HR Manager introduced a report to enable the Committee to consider a request that Portfolio Holders participate in the selection process for the newly agreed Directors.  This would enable the Committee to take into account the views of those members who had close links to the work, which the Directors would be required to oversee.  It was noted that the Portfolio Holders would be invited to attend in an observer capacity only and as such would not be permitted to speak or ask questions during the interviews. 

Resolved:

(1)          That the Committee agree to a maximum of two Portfolio Holders, in addition to the two Cabinet Members who sit on the Personnel Committee, attending the final stage interviews for the new Director roles in an observer capacity.

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1  & 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

To consider shortlisting for the Executive Team. 

The meeting adjourned at 4.20pm and convened as an Informal Recruitment Panel to facilitate shortlisting for the Executive Team.  The Principal Democratic Support Officer left the meeting at this point.

On reconvening the Interim Head of HR was provided with a shortlist of candidates to progress through the recruitment process.