Agenda and minutes

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. 

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item(s): -

“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 item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider this 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. 

It was moved by Councillor Susan Sykes, seconded by Councillor Margaret Pattison and resolved as follows. 

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 item of business on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The Interim HR Manager reported orally that, after consultation with the Chairman, this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Members were provided with an update on the proposed processes and decision making procedures regarding this issue. 

Report of the HR Service Manager. 

The HR Service Manager submitted a report that enabled the Committee to consider and approve a number of Human Resources policies and procedures. 

It was reported that the draft policies appended to the report had been considered at the JCC meeting held on 20^th September 2018.  In recommending the policies for approval, the JCC requested the Personnel Committee to note additional points and where appropriate report back to the JCC in the future. 

The Committee considered each of the policies and procedures. 

Probation and Appointment Review Policy and Procedure:

Amendment:

That the revised approach to Probation and Appointment Review was not implemented until 1^st November 2018. 

Early Termination of Employment Policy:

Amendment:

Inclusion of some clarifying wording relating to annual leave to be included in the section of the Early Termination Policy dealing with Ill Health Retirement.  Agreed that a more appropriate place for the relevant wording would be within the Sickness Absence Management Policy. 

Disciplinary Policy and Procedure:

Amendment:

That, in light of the option for Managers to extend disciplinary sanctions where appropriate, that a review of the sanctions issued over the next 12 months is considered at a JCC in approximately 12 months’ time. 

It was moved by Councillor Susan Sykes and seconded by Councillor Eileen Blamire: -

“That, subject to the amendments detailed above, the policies and procedures be approved.” 

Upon being put to the vote, the Chairman declared the proposition clearly carried.

Resolved: -

(1)          That, subject to the amendments detailed above, the policies and procedures be approved. 

To appoint a Member of the Personnel Committee to the Joint Consultative Committee on Health and Safety. 

The HR Service Manager reported orally regarding appointment to the Joint Consultative Committee on Health and Safety. 

It was moved by Councillor Caroline Jackson, seconded by Councillor Susan Sykes, and resolved unanimously as follows. 

Resolved: -

That Councillor Margaret Pattison be appointed as the Personnel Committee’s representative to the Joint Consultative Committee on Health and Safety.