Category: Employment and Appointments

Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 2

The meeting carried on with the committee discussing item 3 on agile working. As Cllr Mitchell had been interrupted Cllr Bridson asked him to speak next before he forgets what he has to say. This caused Cllr McLaughlin to tease Cllr Mitchell by saying that Cllr Bridson had called him forgetful. Cllr Mitchell said that … Continue reading “Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 2”

The meeting carried on with the committee discussing item 3 on agile working.

As Cllr Mitchell had been interrupted Cllr Bridson asked him to speak next before he forgets what he has to say. This caused Cllr McLaughlin to tease Cllr Mitchell by saying that Cllr Bridson had called him forgetful.

Cllr Mitchell said that it was very important that they complete the change. He also said he wanted to make sure Wirral Council had the ability to track the changes.

Cllr Davies said it had been a lot of work building on points that feed into the office accommodation review. He referred to Cllr Gilchrist at Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting asking question as to where agile working fits in with the office accommodation review timescale.

Bill Norman (Borough Solicitor) said it was a tool, but Wirral Council was losing colleagues through early voluntary redundancy. A report to Cabinet had listed buildings such as Bebington Town Hall (and others) to dispose of in 2011/2012.

Cllr Davies said “Just so I’m clear” followed by asking if they’d get reports next year spelling out how agile working was working.

Bill Norman said Westminster House would be relocated and would include agile working.

Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 1

The E&A Committee started a little later than advertised. The Chair welcomed those present and asked for any declarations of interest. Cllr Rennie declared a personal interest in the occupational health item by virtue of being on the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Authority.

The full agenda and reports for the meeting can be found here. The minutes were agreed with no comments and the committee moved to item 3 on agile working.

An officer introduced the report saying they were moving away from fixed desks for increased productivity. The report outlined best practice and guidance in this change to working arrangements. There had been full consultation with the trade unions. Cllr Mitchell pointed out what was missing was a review of the office space. He was concerned that there would be enough rooms and offices for meetings whether regular or ad-hoc.

The officer replied that agile working supporting the office rationalisation. He referred to the breakout areas/spaces and said this would be subject to individual building’s policies.

Cllr Green said it was not to say that tomorrow everyone would be agile working, but the framework and policies had been agreed with the trade unions. Regarding implementation, it would be when opportunities were identified. He said “We have a lot of office space”. He said it would be useful if a project or service could be used as a case study. He referred to hot desking and hubs and said it was good to have trade union agreement. However there was “vague wording” eg “when appropriate”. Things needed to move forward and it was a “big piece of work well done”.