Venue: the Civic Suite, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN
Contact: Anthony Roberts ,Democratic Services, Tel: 01223 935946 / email Anthony.Roberts@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15th September 2021. Contact: A Roberts - 388015 Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15th September 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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MEMBERS' INTERESTS To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda Item. Contact: Democratic Services - 388169 Minutes: No declarations of interests were received. |
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WORKFORCE INFORMATION REPORT QUARTER TWO 2021-22 PDF 939 KB To consider an update on HR matters impacting on the performance of the organisation. Contact: A Whatmore - 388005. Minutes: The Committee received and noted a report on Human Resources matters impacting on the performance of the Council during the period 1st July to 30 September 2021. The report included the latest position and trends relating to employee numbers, salary costs and sickness absence. A copy of the report is appended in the Minute Book.
The Committee was informed that the total number of employees at the end of the last quarter was lower than at the end of the previous quarter and that the total spend on pay costs for employees in 2021/22 was forecast to be £174k higher than the year’s budget.
In response to a question by Councillor Jordan, the Strategic HR Manager outlined measures services were taking in response to the level of individuals leaving the Council, including back filling and adopting alternative ways of working. Following a further related question, the Strategic HR Manager confirmed that the Planning, Corporate Resources and ICT sections had experienced the highest levels of leavers. All leavers were sent a questionnaire requesting their views on working for the Council and their reasons for leaving. Leavers also were offered personal interviews. The results were analysed and used to inform future decision-making. The Council’s position compared with other local authorities was discussed.
During further discussion on recruitment and retention it was established that the level of leavers was partly the result of unique factors such as internal structure changes and partly caused by the pandemic and market demand for particular roles. Various initiatives were being employed to fill vacant posts and introduce new ways of working to ensure services were delivered.
Regarding future demand for services, the Committee was informed that detailed planning took place using Council Tax data and projections for new dwellings. Members commended the refuse collectors for the speed at which they completed their rounds.
The report indicated that five employees had retired in the quarter. Members recognised the employees’ achievements and conveyed their congratulations to them. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
a) that the contents of the report be noted, and
b) that the Council place on record its recognition of and gratitude for the excellent contributions made by the five employees who have recently retired from their employment in the local government service and convey its best wishes to them for long and happy retirements. |
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IR35 STATUS DETERMINATION DISAGREEMENT PROCESS PDF 115 KB To consider a report by the Strategic HR Manager on a new workforce procedure. Contact: A Whatmore - 388005. Additional documents: Minutes: With the aid of a report by the Strategic HR Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Committee considered a new procedure to determine disputes relating to the status of employees under on/off payroll working rules. The procedure was required by updated Regulations, which were introduced in April 2021 and would ensure the Council complied with the new Regulations. Having reviewed the Terms of the proposed procedure, it was
RESOLVED
that the IR35 Status Determination Disagreement Process be endorsed. |
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EMPLOYMENT REFERENCES POLICY PDF 113 KB To consider a report by the Strategic HR Manager on a new employment policy. Contact: A Whatmore - 388005. Additional documents: Minutes: Consideration was given to a report by the Strategic HR Manager to which was attached a proposed new Policy on receiving and giving employment references. A copy of the report is appended in the Minute Book. In response to a question by a Member, it was confirmed that the Council would only provide factual information. It was then
RESOLVED
that the Reference Policy be endorsed. |
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EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES GROUP At the request of Employee Representatives to consider a range of issues. Minutes: No matters had been identified for consideration. |