Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director of Human Resources

Purpose of report

To seek approval from the Personnel Committee on proposed changes to existing HR policies.

Recommendations

The Personnel Committee resolves:

1.1       To review and approve the following policies for implementation:

            Flexible Working Request Policy

            Domestic Abuse Policy

            Flexi scheme Policy

            Employers LGPS Discretions Policy

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the following policies be approved for implementation:

·         Flexible Working Request Policy

·         Domestic Abuse Policy

·         Flexi scheme Policy

·         Employers LGPS Discretions Policy

The Assistant Director Human Resources submitted a report to seek approval from the Personnel Committee on proposed changes to four existing HR policies: Flexible Working Request Policy; Domestic Abuse Policy; Flexi scheme Policy; and, Employers LGPS Discretions Policy.

In response to Members’ questions regarding the refusal of flexible working requests, the Assistant Director Human Resources explained that the policy sets out the acceptable grounds and that line manager should liaise with their HR Business Partner.

In response to Members’ questions in relation to raising staff awareness of the  Domestic Abuse Policy and support available, the Assistant Director Human Resources explained that she would be advising staff of the Policy at the monthly staff briefing as well as raising awareness of all updated policies via the weekly staff communications. New employees were made aware of all HR policies as part of their induction. Staff (and Members) had access to free support through the council’s employee assistance programme.

In considering the Flexi Scheme Policy, Members raised questions about the permitted flexi banking amount and professional training for staff commenting the council should be proactive rather than reactive, the Assistant Director Human Resources explained that the hours related to three standard full time-working days (7 hours 24 minutes) and was pro-rata to hours worked for part time employees (60% of weekly contractual hours). With regards professional training, the Assistant Director Human Resources advised that training in skill sets the council was short of was encouraged and highlighted the pathways to planning.

Resolved

(1)            That, having given due consideration, the following policies be approved for implementation:

·       Flexible Working Request Policy

·       Domestic Abuse Policy

·       Flexi scheme Policy

·       Employers LGPS Discretions Policy