Agenda item

To receive the Minutes of the meetings of the Staff Consultation Forums held on 5 April 2017, 3 May 2017 and the Draft Minutes of 7 June 2017.

IT WAS AGREED: That the Minutes of the Staff Consultation Forum held on 5 April 2017, 3 May 2017 and draft minutes for 7 June 2017 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Joint Staff Consultative Committee to consider any issues addressed by the Staff Consultation Forum.

The Corporate Human Resources Manager drew attention to the Minutes of the meetings of the Staff Consultation Forum held on 5 April 2017 and 3 May 2017 and the Draft Minutes of 7 June 2017 as follows:

Minutes – 5 April 2017

The Corporate Human Resources Manager highlighted:-

There had been regular building and property related queries to the Staff Consultation Forum particularly since being in temporary accommodation. She advised that Property Services were regularly in attendance at SCF meetings to update and answer queries.

The NHDC update had been given by the Human Resources Manager, and reported that staff had received their increase in April salaries for the second year of the two year pay deal, she stated that this had been a 1 percent increase for most staff.

A review of National Local Government pay scales was currently being undertaken.

There was still a lot of discussion to be had with regard office relocation, but regular updates were given by the Head of Revenues, Benefits & IT.  She further explained that procedures regarding relocation back to the District Council Offices were being put in place.

Minutes – 3 May 2017

The Corporate Human Resources Manager advised that there had been a small restructure in the Property Services Team which had been through the Corporate Board for approval.  The Chief Executive had given an NHDC update on matters that had been covered at Council regarding a number of projects and the financial position of the Council. 

The Corporate Human Resources Manager, in answer to a question by a Member, advised the Committee that there was no timescale with regard to the expected restructure.

The Committee was informed also, that the Investors in People assessor had been in attendance at the Council Offices for which the outcome would be disclosed in due course.

Draft Minutes – 7 June 2017

The Corporate Human Resources Manager informed the Committee that Information Technology (IT) had been invited to present to the Staff Consultation Forum at their June meeting at which they had given a comprehensive update.

She further advised that there had been a number of consultations and restructure discussions at both lower and senior management level, but no date had been given for announcement or implementation.

In answer to a question by a Member, the Corporate Human Resources Manager explained to the Committee, in brief, how the “hot-desking” and working space environment would be set up and allocated on return to the District Council Offices. She informed the meeting that personnel who were full-time office based were most likely to be allocated a permanent desk.  She further explained that “Hot Desking” lent itself to the working practices in the organisation, and was already available and being utilised successfully by those staff with varied working situations for example, those who were working out of office and home-working.  She explained that they would endeavor to group teams together, but Hot Desk Areas would be spread out and were expected to be widely used.

Councillor Needham responded to an enquiry regarding Fire Safety at the refurbished District Council Offices.  She informed the Committee that the Fire Brigade had been asked to give further reassurance regarding cladding on the building, they had confirmed that the proposed cladding was still appropriate and, given the unusual situation of being able to station a Fire Engine on all four sides of the building, should the need arise, gave additional reassurance. 

The Corporate Human Resource Manager advised that the Communications and Grounds Maintenance Department were undergoing restructures.

IT WAS AGREED: That the Minutes of the Staff Consultation Forum held on 5 April 2017, 3 May 2017 and draft minutes for 7 June 2017 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Joint Staff Consultative Committee to consider any issues addressed by the Staff Consultation Forum.