To receive any apologies for absence

An Apology for Absence was received from Councillor Dr Evans.

To receive any declarations of interest

None

To consider the Part I minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Part I minutes of the meeting

held on 21 January 2016 be approved.

To consider the above report

Members considered a change to the notice period applicable for new employees during their probation period (6 months). The report proposed a reduction from the contractual level one month to a statutory level of one week. The number of people not confirmed in their probation period at the council was very low, just six since January 2014, with two of those in February 2016.

Members noted that the usual practice in the private sector was that an individual not demonstrating their ability to meet objectives in a probation period would swiftly exit the organisation. The proposal would reduce the amount of money payable to an individual and would amend the terms of contract for this to be paid in lieu of notice where required.

Councillor Saunders commented that one week was the default level in most companies and he was surprised this was not the case in the council. He felt that it was important that the one week level was seen as a mutually advantageous situation for both the council and the employee, given the likelihood of the employee changing their mind was logically higher. Councillor Saunders also commented that a three month probation period was more than adequate, with the option to extend if necessary. The Head of HR confirmed that six months was standard practice in the public sector, although he appreciated that this did not mean it was appropriate for the borough. There had been occasions when six month probation periods had been extended.

Councillor Brimacombe commented that it could be a risk for an individual to join a new organisation, therefore there was an onus on the employer to ensure a person would fit the organisation via the recruitment process. The individual would be left with only one week’s protection, therefore he felt there should be some discretion. The Head of HR explained that the Corporate Management Team had debated the issue and concluded that one week was reasonable and would not affect recruitment. The number of people who failed probation was very low. It was important that the council ensured objectives were set and probationary reviews undertaken to demonstrate an individual was supported and developed.

Councillor Bicknell highlighted that the most important factor was being clear about terms and conditions from the start, before an employee accepted a position. This would demonstrate mutual agreement.

Councillor Mrs Jones questioned why the probation period for newly qualified social workers and youth and community workers was 12 months. She felt that one week’s notice when an individual may have worked for the council for nearly a year could be perceived as harsh. The Head of HR explained that newly qualified social workers had to demonstrate set achievements during probation, therefore an extended period was in place. Councillor Bicknell commented that a lot of support was provided; it was almost an apprenticeship type role. The individual would therefore also have benefitted greatly if they were employed for 11 months.

Councillor Brimacombe highlighted that three aspects needed to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider passing the following resolution:-

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting whilst discussion takes place on items 6-8 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1-7 of part I of Schedule 12A of the Act"

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting whilst discussion takes place on items 6-8 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1-7 of part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To consider the Part II minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016.

To consider the above report

To consider the above report