Issue - meetings

To seek Council’s approval for revised and new HR Policies (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director Corporate which sought Council approval for revised and new HR Policies.

The Portfolio Holder – Corporate, Governance, Communications and Environmental Services presented the report which included the following six policies that had been aligned across the Partnership Councils and had been reviewed by SHDC’s Policy Development Panel:

New Policies

·       Drugs and Alcohol Policy

·       Menopause Policy

·       Family Leave Policy

Existing Policies

·       Disciplinary Policy

·       Adverse Weather Policy

·       Volunteer Policy

DECISION:

That the HR policies appended to the report be approved.

To seek Policy Development Panel’s views on the proposed HR policies prior to report to Council (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate, which sought the Policy Development Panel’s views on the proposed HR policies prior to report to Council.

The Group Manager – Organisational Development and the HR Manager – Operations (PSPS) attended in person for this item, and the Assistant Director – Corporate attended virtually. 

The Group Manager – Organisation Development introduced the report to members and highlighted that:

• The policies covered within the report were outlined at point 2.4;
• In respect of new policies:
  • The Drugs and Alcohol Policy was at Appendix A;
  • The Menopause Policy was at Appendix B;
  • The Shared Officer Job Evaluation Scheme was at Appendix C;
  • The Family Leave Policy was at Appendix D;
• In respect of existing policies:
  • The Disciplinary Policy was at Appendix E;
  • The Adverse Weather Policy was at Appendix F; and
  • The Volunteer Policy was at Appendix G.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members queried that drug and alcohol testing could only be undertaken with the written consent of the employee.
  • The Group Manager – Organisation Development responded that consent was necessary however any resistance to engage could result in further action available to the council as an employer.

• Members referred to the Menopause Policy and were unclear who the policy referred to.
  • The Group Manager – Organisation Development agreed to include a glossary of terms.

AGREED:

a)    That the review of HR Policies be noted; and

b)    That a glossary of terms be added in respect of the Menopause Policy.