Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED:

Recommendation to Full Council:

1. To approve the adoption of the Health, Safety & Welfare Policy.

2. To delegate responsibility for approving annual administrative reviews to the Chief of Staff.

3. To note that where significant changes to the policy are made that these will be brought back to council for approval.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure that the council has an effective structure for delivering its health and safety functions.

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The Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

The Assistant Director for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection presented the updated Health and Safety Policy, noting that it was more concise, better structured, and included a clear statement of intent. The Assistant Director outlined the respective responsibilities of staff and management and explained that a range of supporting procedures and guidance notes accompanied the Policy.

The Chief Executive commented that the new Policy was easy to understand and thanked officers for their work.

Counclilor Squire raised the issue of Councillors responsibilities in health and safety, suggesting that the policy should explicitly include them.  It was clarified that although Councillors were not employees, the policy wording was deliberately chosen, and Member Training would be provided to ensure Councillors understood their responsibilities and reporting mechanisms.

Councillor Morley highlighted the importance of robust governance arrangements for capital investment in order to reduce risk, and emphasised the need for timely completion of risk assessments.

Councillor de Whalley sought assurance that staff felt confident reporting concerns. It was confirmed that work was ongoing to ensure staff were supported in raising issues and that appropriate action would be taken in response.

Councillor Rust noted that Trade Unions had been involved in the process and that concerns could be raised through union channels where necessary.

Councillor Ring observed that there had been a positive cultural shift and that staff would be supported to report concerns.

RECOMMENDED:

Recommendation to Full Council:

1. To approve the adoption of the Health, Safety & Welfare Policy.

2. To delegate responsibility for approving annual administrative reviews to the Chief of Staff.

3. To note that where significant changes to the policy are made that these will be brought back to council for approval.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure that the council has an effective structure for delivering its health and safety functions.