Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 September 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2019 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

1 October 2019

Environmental Services Review

The Committee considered a reference from the Environment and Climate Change Committee which sought approval for the implementation of a revised structure for Environmental Services.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor L Fletcher and seconded by Councillor P J Owen that the item be deferred until the next meeting in order for updated information to be submitted. On being put to the meeting the amendment was defeated.

RESOLVED that the revised structure for the Environmental Services section, as set out in appendix 2 of the report, be approved.

To update the Committee on internal communications and employee engagement initiatives at the Council.

The Committee noted a report on internal communications and employee engagement initiatives at the Council. It was queried as to whether there were was sufficient engagement with staff over mental health issues, members were informed that the Mental Health Champions Group held regular meetings to determine the requirements of employees over such matters. The Chair gave a commitment to the Committee that the good work that derived from the Mental Health Working Group would feed into the relevant groups.

The report outlines the direction of travel for the Committee’s work during its term of office.

The Committee considered a report which outlined potential areas for future discussion before watching a video presentation from Simon Sinek called ‘First Why and then Trust’.

Members queried whether there were new areas of work included within the proposals contained in the report. Officers replied that the Council was building on strong foundations but there were a number of areas that were in need of modification. The Committee was informed that an organisational development strategy would be organised.

RESOLVED that the areas of work contained within the appendix to the report be approved.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Plans for the support services areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

The Committee was updated on the progress against outcome targets identified in the Community Safety and Health Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives. Members queried the sickness figures and requested that a more detailed report be submitted to a future meeting. The report would contain a departmental breakdown, long-term and short-term figures in addition to clarification on referrals to occupational health.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

Members considered the Work Programme and agreed to add reports on Sickness Figures and Veterans’ Access to Interviews.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 12A of the Act.

The Committee noted the confidential appendix to the report for the item considered earlier in the meeting.

RESOLVED that the request for voluntary redundancy be approved.