Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2021 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2021 were confirmed as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item. The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised in the public participation period.

To appoint a Vice Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.

RESOLVED:

That Cllr Jill Cleary be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

To receive the HR Update Report.

The Committee received an update on HR matters since the last meeting, which covered the following topics:

·         Recognition Days

·         Apprenticeships

·         ITrent Upgrade

·         Recruitment

·         Exercise and Wellbeing Classes

·         Employee Benefits

·         Deaf Awareness Training

·         Equality and Diversity Training

It was suggested that Equality and Diversity Training be made available to members,  and officers would arrange this.  

It was noted that NFDC provided payroll and HR services to the NPA, and it was asked whether the Council could offer these services to other organisations. In reply it was explained that significant difficulties arose where organisations had different terms and conditions, though the nature of the work done by the payroll team may be more transferable to other organisations. Accordingly, officers undertook to examine the feasibility of offering payroll services to other organisations. 

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To receive the minutes of the Employee Side Liaison Panel of the 18 February 2022.

The Panel received and noted the draft notes of the Employee Side Liaison Panel minutes from the meeting held on 18 February 2022

To note the Quarterly Report.

The Committee received the Health and Safety Quarterly Update, which covered the following topics:

·         Safety Panel Feedback

·         Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

·         Health and Safety Training

·         Drug and Alcohol Policy

In respect of the accidents, incidents and near misses at paragraph 4 of the report (noted as RIDDOR), it was noted that some of these incidents appeared to be a result of individual staff choosing courses of action which were not in line with health and safety advice as set out by the employer. This brought not only risks on themselves but potentially on other people, and it was important to ensure managers focussed on addressing these issues day to day in team talks and in the culture. Additional training had also been put in place.   

It was suggested that, to improve morale, staff be encouraged and supported in initiating out of hours social events.  

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.