Issue - meetings

To seek approval from Cabinet for amendments to the Health and Safety Policy (V5.0) (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Regulatory which sought approval from the Cabinet for amendments to the Health and Safety Policy (V5.0).

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report and advised that one of the explicit duties imposed on the Council as an employer was the

requirement to provide a written health and safety policy and to review the Policy from time to time to ensure that it remained compliant and fit for purpose, in accordance with our statutory responsibilities.

He noted that it was an executive decision of the council to adopt and make amendments to the health and safety policy arrangements and the last time Cabinet did so was in 2024.

He advised that the changes proposed to be made were relatively minor and were highlighted in the health and safety policy document at Appendix 1.

The changes sought to bring consistency to health and safety working arrangements at each council in the partnership and pave the way for modifications in how we engaged staff and trade unions so as to optimise opportunities for shared learning and to bring efficiencies to our ways of working.

The Policy Development Panel had been consulted on 21^st April however no material changes to the policy document as appended were offered.

A query was raised in reference to page 287 of the report and whether the Terms of Reference document, including details of the group’s membership, was available, noting that it would be helpful to understand who would be represented on the group.

Officers confirmed that the Terms of Reference document had been prepared and was available to view. It was confirmed that the document could be shared with Members following the meeting, including details of the group’s membership. 

DECISION:

That Cabinet;

1. Approve the Health and Safety Policy (V5.0) (Appendix 1) having considered feedback from the Policy Development Panel.

2. Delegate to the Assistant Director Regulatory, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, authority to make such amendments to this policy as may from time to time be required in order to (i) reference any links or amended links to other documents as may be required; and (ii) reflect any issues over which the Council has no discretion including, but not limited to, references to any legislative changes and amended guidance. Any material amendments to the policy will be subject to the usual approval process in line with the Constitution.

(Other options considered:

·         None

Reasons for decision:

·         It is the statutory duty of every employer to review the health and safety policy from time to time to ensure it remains fit for purpose, up to date and reflects current best practice and guidance.)

To seek views from the Policy Development Panel on proposed amendments to the Councils Health and Safety Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director - Regulatory to seek views from Policy Development Panel on proposed amendments to the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.

The Group Manager – Public Protection introduced the report and highlighted the following:

• That the changes were minor and formed part of the scheduled three-yearly review, with amendments highlighted within the document; and
• That updates primarily enabled the policy to be adopted separately by each sovereign council, providing greater flexibility, and that some detailed content had been removed to sit more appropriately within supporting documents such as terms of reference.

Members considered the report and supported the highlighted amendments.

AGREED:

That following consideration of the proposed amendments to the Health and Safety Policy (Appendix 1), the Policy Development Panel recommended the policy to Cabinet for approval.