Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 26^th September 2019. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2019 were approved as a correct record. 

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

Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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. 

No declarations of interest were made. 

There were no items of urgent business. 

The Committee to consider. 

The Principal Democratic Support Officer reported orally regarding appointment to the Joint Consultative Committee on Health and Safety. 

It was moved by Councillor Phillip Black, seconded by Councillor Adrian Duggan and resolved unanimously as follows. 

Resolved: -

That Councillor Oliver Robinson be appointed as the Personnel Committee’s representative to the Joint Consultative Committee on Health and Safety and that Councillor Caroline Jackson be appointed as the substitute representative. 

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

“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 4 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Councillors are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not the item in private or in public.  In making the decision, Councillors 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 Councillors should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

It was moved by Councillor Janice Hanson, seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson and resolved unanimously 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 4 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Report of the Head of Human Resources. 

The Head of Human Resources submitted a report to enable the Committee to consider proposals for initiatives to enhance the ways the Council supported and developed employees in line with the Council Ambitions and the ‘Our Values’ framework and approve as set out in the report. 

Personnel Committee was asked to consider and comment on the initiatives set out in the report. Members were asked to: 

1.         consider the Values Based Competency Framework for approval

2.         approve the Trans Gender policy changes

3.         consider the Exit Interview process for approval; and

4.         make recommendations to Council about which of the other initiatives referred to in the report should be taken forward as an enabler for positive change. 

It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed. 

Resolved: -

(1)       That, subject to the amendments detailed below, as recommended at the meeting of JCC held on 15^th October 2019, the Policies and Procedures appended to the report and referred to the Committee, be approved. 

Proposed Pay Model

Deletion of the word “Competency” throughout the document. 

The Redeployment Policy

Query regarding paragraph 1.3.3 of the report.  Vacancies to be sent to redeployees at the same time as the vacancy is advertised rather than in advance. 

Policy

3.       Redundancy

3^rd paragraph commencing with the words “Employees whose employment is…” delete the word “should” and insert the word “will”. 

4.       Notification Of Alternative Employment Opportunities

3^rd paragraph commencing with the words “In all other cases,…”delete the words “will be interviewed by an HR Officer” and insert the words “discussions take place to…”

To amend the above wording throughout the document. 

12.      Protection of Other Terms and Conditions

Clarity the wording contained in paragraph 12.1 Annual Leave. 

Delete paragraph 12.2 regarding Car Leases. 

Lancaster City Council Job Evaluation 2019 – Appeals Process and Pay Protection Proposals

1.         Appeals Process

Grounds for Appeal

Clarity on the wording of the paragraph commencing with the words “Please note that an appeal…..”

Procedure

To include a list for employees so that they are aware of the grounds that they can appeal against. 

Appeal Hearing

In the second paragraph with the words “The appeal hearing” delete “the” and insert “a different” prior to the word “Director”. 

Outcome of the Appeal Hearing

Delete the 3^rd bullet point “A decrease in the JE score.”

2.         Pay Protection

Clarity on the wording of the paragraph commencing with the words “If the employee’s salary is more than four…..”

Values Based Competency Framework

Insert a 6^th bullet point to read “Treat others with dignity and respect.” 

Transgender Equality Policy

5.       Gender Neutrality and Inclusivity

To re-draft the section referring to and headed Uniforms and Dress Codes, in particular why is there a need for a uniform gender split. 

(2)       That officers be requested to give a rationale to the Trade Unions regarding amendments to the process of appeal against dismissal n order to obtain their views.  Any issues raised to , once re-constituted, the Constitutional Review Working Group be requested to consider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.