Consideration was given to a report updating the Panel on flexible and mobile working arrangements.
It was reported to the Panel home working would be available but this would be limited and that the main focus would be on where people could work. The intention was to allow people to work at a variety of locations with the opportunity of ‘hot desking’ to be made available to a number of employees.
Human Resources policies were at consultation stage and if the Panel felt it appropriate then Members would also be given the opportunity to make comments on the prospective policies. It was agreed that the Panel would find it useful to comment on any Human Resources Polices. In addition the Panel welcomed the proposals being suggested however some concerns were raised that control over any new arrangements of working would need to be carefully exercised.
Clarification was sought as to whether or not the flexible and working arrangements put forward was a Cheshire East initiative. In response to this question it was confirmed that this was the case. In addition it was queried to what extent the Council would support and control the Policy. In response it was confirmed that it was for the Members of Cheshire East Council to decide the policy’s specifications.
The Panel emphasised the importance of ensuring that robust arrangements were in place in order to ensure that abuse of the system did not take place. Members wished to highlight the importance of ensuring that services provided continued to benefit members of the public and that any new arrangements in place would not impact on the service that the public received.
Officers agreed that proposals established would need to contain the correct balance that was right for the new Authority, its employees and the services provided.
RESOLVED
(1) That the report be noted.
(2) That the Human Resources policies currently undergoing consultation be brought back to a future meeting of the Panel for the Members consideration.