Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 September 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 September 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

The following item contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

1 - Information relating to any individual.

2 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

3– Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Members are reminded that whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public. In making the decision, Members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to pass the following recommendation:

“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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

** The papers for the item will be circulated under separate cover to Personnel Committee members and appointed substitutes who have confirmed attendance at the meeting only. The contents should not be discussed with others and no copies should not be made. **

Resolved

(1)          That the update from Penna Consulting and the Assistant Director Human Resources on the outcome of the longlist process be noted.

(2)          That based on their merit, the candidates to proceed to the interview stage be agreed.

Julie Towers, Penna, the external recruiter running the recruitment process and the Assistant Director Human Resources gave an exempt update on the outcomes of the longlisting for the post of Chief Executive to enable the Committee to identify the candidates who would be on the shortlist.

Having considered the exempt update, based on their merit, Members agreed the candidates who should proceed to the interview stage.

Members subsequently considered and confirmed the process for the shortlist and interview stage.  

Resolved

(1)          That the exempt update from Penna Consulting and the Assistant Director Human Resources on the outcome of the longlist process be noted.

(2)          That based on their merit, the candidates to proceed to the interview stage be agreed.

(The Governance and Elections Manager and the Webcast Operative left the meeting for the duration of this item)

The Personnel Committee is recommended to resolve to readmit the press and public to the meeting

Resolved

That the press and public be readmitted to the meeting.

Report of Chief Executive

Purpose of report

To provide the PC committee with an update on CDC’s workforce including measuring staff well-being and to highlight the actions officers are taking to address any issues.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       to review and note the workforce date for Quarter 2 of 2023/24 (Appendix one).

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the workforce data for Quarter 2 of 2023/24 be noted.

The Chief Executive submitted a report to provide the Committee with an update on the council’s workforce including measuring staff well-being and to highlight the actions officers were taking to address any issues.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the workforce data for Quarter 2 of 2023/24 be noted.

Report of Chief Executive

Purpose of report

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

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To review and approves the following policies for implementation:

- Recruitment and Selection Policy

- Armed Forces and Reservist Policy

Resolved

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

- Recruitment and Selection Policy

- Armed Forces and Reservist Policy

The Chief Executive submitted a report to seek approval of new HR policies and on proposed changes to existing HR policies.

In response to Members’ questions on the Recruitment and Selection Policy, the Assistant Director Human Resources explained that at a number of additional techniques could be used but, at present, there was no alternative to interviews as part of the recruitment process.

In relation to advertising vacancies, the Assistant Director Human Resources advised that, as set out in the Policy, all vacancies were advertised on the website and, where appropriate, online job boards and relevant specialist publications. The new Recruitment training module would capture how new employees came across roles which would inform how the reach of vacancies could be expanded.

Resolved

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

- Recruitment and Selection Policy

- Armed Forces and Reservist Policy

There were no items of urgent business.