Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 25^th February 2014 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 25^th February 2014, were approved as a correct record of events.

The Human Resources Manager advised that following the committee’s decision on 25 February 2014 to disestablish post number EVM001, the post holder had expressed a request to be considered for voluntary redundancy.

This request had been approved by the Chief Executive under his delegated powers.  

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 10 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. 

Councillor Rogerson declared an interest in item 6 on the agenda (minute 31), the nature of the interest being that she knew the appellant.   

She did not know the appellant very well however, and both the councillor and the appellant were content for the councillor to remain at the meeting.

There were no items of urgent business.

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 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 paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 12A of that Act. 

Details of this item will be sent to members of the committee under separate cover.

Members considered an appeal against dismissal.

The Chief Officer (Resources) presented the case for dismissal, assisted by a Human Resources Officer.  A Customer Services Team Leader was called as a witness and questioned by members of the committee, the Chief Officer (Resources), the appellant and their trade union representative.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:33am, to allow for the witness to be called, resuming at 11.00am, and adjourned again at 12:05pm for discussion, resuming at 12:20pm.

The case for dismissal concluded with questions to the Chief Officer (Resources) from members of the committee, the appellant and their trade union representative.

The appellant and their trade union representative subsequently presented their appeal, followed by questions from members of the committee, the Chief Officer (Resources) and the Human Resources Officer.

The appellant did not call a witness.

(The appellant, their representative, the Chief Officer (Resources) and the Human Resources Officer were requested to leave the meeting at 1:30pm.  The committee then adjourned to reach its decision, with the Human Resources Manager and Senior Democratic Support Officer present to assist the councillors in formulating their decision.  At 2:35pm, the appellant, their representative, the Chief Officer (Resources) and the Human Resources Officer were recalled to the meeting). 

The chairman thanked both parties for their contribution to the meeting and announced the findings of the committee.

Resolved:

That the appeal against dismissal be upheld.

Details of this item will be sent to members of the committee under separate cover.

Members considered an appeal against dismissal.

The Chief Officer (Health and Housing) presented the case for dismissal, assisted by the Principal Human Resources Officer, concluding with questions from members of the committee, the appellant and their trade union representative.

The appellant and their trade union representative subsequently presented their case, followed by questions from the Chief Officer (Health and Housing), Principal Human Resources Officer and members of the committee. 

Neither party called a witness.

(The appellant, their representative, the Chief Officer (Health and Housing) and the Principal Human Resources Officer were requested to leave the meeting at 4:05pm.  The committee then adjourned to reach its decision, with the Human Resources Manager and Senior Democratic Support Officer present to assist the councillors in formulating their decision.  At 4.30pm, the appellant, their representative, the Chief Officer (Health and Housing) and the Principal Human Resources Officer were recalled to the meeting). 

The chairman thanked both parties for their contribution to the meeting and announced the findings of the committee.

Resolved:

That the appeal against dismissal not be upheld.