Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 5

Cllr McLaughlin continued that it would be interesting to see if it had no impact. When it was extended there would be cost implications if the service cough an’t be provided. She disagreed with the report as she said it was “not quite right” as there would be a continuing cost to the authority, Cllr … Continue reading “Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 5”

Cllr McLaughlin continued that it would be interesting to see if it had no impact. When it was extended there would be cost implications if the service cough an’t be provided. She disagreed with the report as she said it was “not quite right” as there would be a continuing cost to the authority,

Cllr Holbrook said he assumed the cost was budgeted for.

Cllr McLaughlin said she disagreed.

The answer given by an officer was that it was an ongoing cost to departments. Cllr Green said he had asked a question at the last meeting about the implications of stopping or extending and carrying on. One option was once the tender process had gone through they accept the contract. The sad thing was about partnering with a different organisation. Unfortunately they were not able to yet. Regarding Merseyside authorities the contract can be extended to included different authorities and was relatively straightforward. There was an overall value to the contract. A large proportion of those signposted were from schools. Any work done would have to take into account whether schools were making use of the contract and the implications of academies. Academies could buy in being charged the full cost of recovery or there would just be fewer numbers which would drive the value down.

The director of Education said that 2/3rds of schools had replied. Schools were not looking elsewhere and it would be discouraged. Academies had responsibilities to their employees so the decision rested with them.

Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 4

Cllr Bridson said that “Managers need to manage the situation”.

Cllr Green said he had read in the report something about hot-desking and home-working. People tended to stick things on dongles. He had concerns about data integrity and security of Wirral Council’s information assets.

The answer given was that regarding mobile home working such responsibilities were born by the individual employee.

The committee agreed the recommendations and moved onto discussion about the Occupational Health Contract.

An officer introduced the report by saying they had looked at the issues and were looking at opportunities. Wirral Council wanted to work with partners specifically Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service whose occupational health had won awards. They needed to check the final position. They would continue retendering the process. There were concerns about the cost of the service. They needed to manage demand because of the unit cost. They needed to make referrals for stress earlier and signpost employees to the employee assistance program rather than occupational health as it was more cost effective. They were going to screen referrals with this in mind, but it was a work in progress.

Cllr McLaughlin said there was good ise of the occupational health service. It was an important part of the absence management. She was concerned about the reduction is referrals to occupational health. It might affect sickness levels.

The answer given was that if there was a “legitimate need” it would take place. The employee assistance scheme provided counselling at a flat rate. There were ways of managing it.

Employment & Appointments Committee – 27th January Part 3

Cllr Green said he accepted the framework and policies. Westminster House was an example of an individual project. In the project plan was how these tools, IT and performance management would be implemented. It was a key element of the change management process. It was open to any scrutiny committee to look at. He had been hearing about the views the of the Director of Adult Social Services on co-location with GPs. It was all being formulated.

Cllr Bridson said she assumed the chief officers were collecting and assessing. She thought we needed to keep a really careful eye on it. Wirral Council needed to offer services alongside saving measures.

Cllr Green said Wirral Council was better at project management. There was “a plan”. There was also a post-implementation review. Lessons would be learnt. He thought the committee will need a further report and needed to know how things were moving.

Cllr Holbrook said he had indicated to talk but Cllr Bridson hadn’t been looking. Cllr Bridson said she can’t normally ignore him. Cllr Holbrook said they needed to discuss what was in it for the Council. He told them not to forget that efficiency savings were an employee benefit which enabled people to work more efficiently. It would also accommodate people’s personal circumstances and be a flexible employee benefit.

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”.