Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B Moran and D Topping.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests in any item on the agenda

Councillor D Flude declared a personal interest being a retried member of UNISON.

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a total period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the Committee on any matter relevant to the work of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research it would be helpful if questions were submitted at least one working day before the meeting.

There were no members of the public present.

To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 4 and 5 November 2008.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November and the 2 meetings held on 5 November were approved as a correct record.

To receive information relating to the Officer Code of Conduct.

The Committee considered a paper from the Joint Transition Group advising that the Code of Conduct for Officers was a key document to ensure good governance of the new Council.  It was noted that the Government had recently issued a revised draft Officer Code of Conduct for consultation, although it would be some time before any final document was agreed. It was suggested that in the meantime, the Council should agree its own Code, which can be reviewed if necessary when any final national framework is issued.

It was recommended that the Council proceed to develop and adopt its own Code without further delay.  A copy of the proposed draft Code was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Members considered the proposed Code and noted that there were still a number of other policies, procedures and guidance to be considered that would support this overarching document.

RESOLVED – that the Governance and Constitution Committee be advised that the Staffing Committee recommends to the Council that it approves the Officer Code of Conduct for the new Council.

The reports relating to the remaining items on the agenda have been withheld from public circulation and deposit pursuant to Section 100(B)(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the matters may be determined with the press and public excluded.

The Staffing Committee may decide that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

RESOLVED - that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

To receive an update on this issue.

The HR Lead Officer submitted a paper to enable the Committee to consider the approach to recruitment below third tier prior to Vesting Day. The paper set out a suggested approach for proceeding to seek to recruit to some fourth tier jobs and highlighted potential key concern for the unions and employees on the impact the appointments process would have in relation to TUPE and the protection of existing terms and conditions.

The Chief Executive also sought members’ views on the appointment procedures for forth tier posts and would carry out further work on this matter.

RESOLVED - To agree the approach to recruitment below third tier prior to Vesting Day for consultation with the trade unions (as set out in Paragraph 7.7 to the paper).

Members to be given a briefing prior to their meeting with the Trade union representatives at 3.15pm when the following matters will be considered :

1. To agree the note of the meeting held on 15 October 2008 (copy attached).
2. Matters arising.
3. Update on appointments.
4. Trade Union response to consultation on structures for Performance and Capacity Services.
5. Shared Services.
6. Flexible and Mobile working.
7. Consultation arrangements for Cheshire East.
8. Date of Next Meeting - 16 December 2008

Members met with representatives of the Trade Unions and the following matters were discussed: -

1. The note of the meeting held on 15 October 2008 (copy attached).
2. Matters arising.
3. Update on appointments.
4. Trade Union response to consultation on structures for Performance and Capacity Services.
5. Shared Services.
6. Flexible and Mobile working.
7. Consultation arrangements for Cheshire East.
8. Date of Next Meeting - 16 December 2008

The Chairman left the meeting after item no5 above.  Councillor R Domleo was appointed Chairman for the remained of the meeting.