Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2026 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2026 were confirmed by the Chairman as 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 receive any public participation in accordance with the Council’s public participation scheme.

There was no public participation.

To receive the HR Update Report.

The Service Manager – Human Resources provided an overview of the work undertaken within the Human Resources service over and above the re-active casework.

RESOLVED:

That the report was noted.

To receive a presentation on the Growth and Goals feedback.

The Senior HR Advisor provided an overview of the updated learning commitments in the People Strategy and the new growth and goals conversations.

It was confirmed that the process was not linked to employee pay as employees received increments in annually, in April.  If outstanding work had been undertaken by an employee, then there were additional ways of recognising that contribution.

A Committee member was disappointed that the survey had only been completed by twenty-one respondents (15% of managers) and asked why only 3% had provided feedback under the question; ‘Which aspect of the new process do you find most valuable’. In response, it was confirmed that this was a new process around meaningful conversations and the respondents were those who had so far used the form.  The respondents reported that they found the meaningful conversations more valuable and it was felt that this was a result of the confidence in the skills that managers had in holding those conversations. HR Officers had been proactive in attending meetings, at different locations, to collate any constructive feedback on the process which hadn’t been reported via the survey.

RESOLVED:

That the report was noted.

To agree the HR Policy changes required in April 2026, as a result of the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The Service Manager - Human Resources provided an overview of the HR policy changes required due to the Employees Rights Act 2025.

It was confirmed that the legislation required in relation to that part of the ERA had been passed and that element of the Act was now titled as, The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Parental and Paternity Leave) (Removal of Qualifying Periods, Etc) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 and would come into effect from 6 April 2026.

Further changes to the Employment Rights Act would come into effect in October 2026 and during 2027.

A Committee member sought clarification regarding extending an employee’s probation period beyond six months.   It was confirmed by the Service Manager – Human Resources that after 6 April 2026, under the new legislation, the council would not be able to extend a probation period past six months except in very exceptional circumstances.

RESOLVED:

That the HR Committee noted the changes required to the Council’s internal polices from 6 April 2026 as a result of the Employment Rights Act 2025.

To receive the Quarterly Health and Safety Report.

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager provided an overview of the Quarterly Health and Safety Report.

It was confirmed that there was a small number of employees who had historic health concerns associated with vibration activity, although this did not need to be directly through work.  Health surveillance was also provided for those teams who were most at risk from vibration at work such as ground maintenance employees, who used tools with a higher level of vibration.

A Committee member asked how the Council monitored the medical conditions of drivers within the grey fleet.  It was confirmed that the Council was reliant on the employee reporting their health concerns or medical conditions via Human Resources, their Line Manager or the Health and Safety Team.

RESOLVED:

That the HR Committee:

a)      Supported the draft Vibration at Work Policy;

b)      Supported Draft Driving at Work Policy; and

c)       Noted the findings from the Quarter 3 Accident/Incident report.

To note the Committee’s Work Programme.

RESOLVED:

That the Work Programme be approved.