Agenda and draft minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Nawaz, seconded by Councillor Mrs Davis and resolved that Councillor Gary Christy be elected as the Chairman of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2024/25.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 30 October 2023.

The minutes of the previous meeting of 7 August 2024 were agreed and signed.

Sam Anthony stated that at the previous meeting the committee had asked for an update to be provided with regards to the recruitment situation in the Planning department. She advised that, since last October, there has been quite a successful recruitment process with no further resignations from the planning team as a whole, with the following posts now being filled and officers have taken up their role:

·         Head of Planning

·         Two Senior Planning Officers

·         Planning Policy Manager

·         Planning Policy Officer

·         Section 106 Officer

·         Enforcement Officer

Sam Anthony explained that there are still four vacancies, which are being pursued, as follows:

·         Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

·         Senior Planning Officer

·         Principal Planning Officer

·         Tree Officer

She explained that the adverts for the vacancies remain live on the Council’s website and on the social media channels along with the Municipal Journal publication who are supporting the councils recruitment adverts.

Sam Anthony added that the new Head of Planning, Matthew Leigh, is currently reviewing working practices to incorporate some emerging ideas and practices on the reduction of contract staff within the planning service.

It was proposed by Councillor Christy, seconded by Councillor Gowler and resolved that Councillor Nawaz be elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2024/25.

This report provides the Employment Committee with an overview of the Council’s Health & Safety Annual Report for 2023/24

Members considered the Health and Safety Annual report presented by Sam Anthony.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Nawaz asked what the prognosis was for the 2 members of staff who fell from height? Sam Anthony explained that they were not injuries sustained as a result from a fall from a great height but were injuries as a result of staff not using the 3 points of contact system as they exited a works vehicle and that is classed as a fall from height. She added that one member of staff had an absence which was longer than 7 days and, therefore, that was then reportable.

·         Councillor Dr Nawaz referred to the increase in accidents which has occurred over the last year rising from 18 to 26 which is an increase of 44% which is a quite significant increase. He asked for an explanation with regards to what preventative steps have been taken to reduce those numbers? Sam Anthony explained that every accident is fully investigated by the individuals Line Manager where the cause of the accident is identified and decided whether it could have been prevented and where there is a need for remedial training or guidance or coaching then that is delivered. She added that in some cases staff members will be retrained or readvised dependent on the circumstances and cause of the accident or incident. Sam Anthony explained that any accidents such as the road traffic accident caused by the sinkhole or potholes are reported to the County Council and all staff are advised to be aware of their surroundings as and when they are out on the highway.

·         Councillor Nawaz asked for clarity with regards to whether that procedure has been followed and is it documented? Sam Anthony confirmed that it has been documented as part of the accident investigation and attached to the accident report. She added that every single action is documented and delivered at the time and checks may be undertaken following a three-month period to ensure that the learning has been transferred and the staff member is continuing to demonstrate the required behaviours. Sam Anthony explained that health and safety issues are also considered at the toolbox talks that the Operations Manager delivers to those who work in the refuse and cleansing environment.

·         Councillor Nawaz stated that he has noticed in the Business Centre that there is only one qualified first aider and he asked how that is covered if that individual is on holiday or is absent through sickness? Sam Anthony stated that the staff members are emergency first aid trained and there is no requirement to have a first aider on site. She explained that if the member of staff is not on site there are first aid facilities and anybody who is operating the business centre would be required to call the emergency services if there is the need to.

·         Councillor Benney stated that, as much as the figures have increased, a lot of  ...  view the full minutes text for item EC4/24