Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the progress with Human Resources issues

The Head of HR and Organisational Development, aided by the HR Delivery Manager and the Health and Safety Manager, presented a report which provided a general update on Human Resource Issues, including Health and Safety, Organisational Development and HR Delivery.

In Quarter 1 a total of 1531 accidents and 187 incident reports were entered onto PRIME, of which 44 were RIDDOR reportable to the Health and Safety Executive.  In Quarter 2 a total of 1291 accidents and 177 incidents were entered onto PRIME, of which 33 were RIDDOR reportable. 

The Fire Prevention Policy was presented to Members for consideration.  Clarification was sought that arrangements were in place in both corporate and schools premises regarding evacuation responsibilities.  It was requested that the Policy identified this responsibility.  The policy would be presented to the Corporate Health and Safety Forum in December for approval.

Initial meetings had been held with HM Assist/PPC, the supplier of the Employee Assistance Programme, with regard to the implementation plan.  Once the contract has been signed by both parties, the supplier can immediately launch the programme for all employees.  Following the launch there would be an extensive range of promotional activities to raise awareness amongst all employees about what the programme included, how to access it, to stress confidentiality and answer any related questions.

In October an innovative pilot scheme was launched aimed at reducing the amount of time employees are absent from work due to musculo-skeletal problems.  The pilot provides early access to expert advice and included a phone-back service for employees reporting themselves sick with such a condition. 

The Collaborative Leadership Programme was now in its third year.  The programme was aimed at ambitious and aspiring senior and middle managers and offered a 9 month programme of challenging, engaging and stimulating learning and development experiences, set within the context of the public services transformation agenda and the implications for future leaders.  The Council had secured fourteen places on the programme.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       The HR Update Report be noted.

(2)       The Fire Prevention Policy be approved, subject to the suggested amendment.