A discussion to be held on the views of the Panel:
iv) Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (7/22), seconded by Councillor Rust.
“Menopause Workplace Pledge”
It is estimated there are some 13 million women in the UK that are currently peri or menopausal. Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce and almost 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work. This council is aware that over 50% of our workforce and 25% of our councillors are women. It recognises that peri-menopause and menopause and the wide ranging symptoms involved can be a difficult time for women, can lead to a loss of confidence which may then lead to women leaving the workforce. This council would like to demonstrate they are fully supportive of both staff and councillors experiencing menopause and wish to be a Menopause Friendly Employer. Therefore, we agree to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, nominate a dedicated Menopause Champion amongst the staff and to arrange regular support and advice sessions that can be accessed by both staff and councillors. Councillors Squire and Rust spoke in support of the Motion. Under standing order 14.6 Councillor Dark proposed that the Motion be referred to the Corporate Performance Panel for consideration. Council debated referring the matter to the Panel. On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed.
RESOLVED: That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Performance Panel for consideration
Minutes:
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The Panel considered the Notice of Motion which had been referred to the Corporate Performance Panel by Full Council.
Councillor Spikings commented that there was a disparity between Councillors and Staff and she would like to see services available to Councillors as well as staff, not just relating to the Menopause, but to all elements relating to health and support.
The Assistant Director, Central Services clarified that resources available were only available to support initiatives relating to staff. The Monitoring Officer explained that the Council had to work within Legislation and currently there was no Legislation relating to Duty of Care for Councillors.
The Assistant Director, Central Services explained that the Motion of the wording should be amended so that it only related to staff.
Councillor Squire referred to the informal Member Support Group, which was looking into support available for Councillors and it was explained that the Monitoring Officer was investigating this issue and was in discussion with the Local Government Association.
Councillor Squire commented that something needed to change to ensure support was available for Councillors.
Councillor Humphrey acknowledged that there was a specific legal duty to care of staff and had assumed that menopause would not need separate action as it would be part of the council’s duty of care and suggested that the Panel be provided with background information on the support and initiatives that staff could currently access.
Councillor Nash commented that he was appalled with the lack of support available for Mental Health and other welfare issues for Councillors and he referred to a recent issue where he had tried to contact officers for information and support.
The Assistant Director provided information on the services available for employees relating to Menopause support which included advice, guidance, training for Managers and Menopause Awareness Day.
The Chair asked for clarification on the informal Member Support Group and the Monitoring Officer explained that each Group had nominated a Member to attend the Member Support Group, which was an informal arrangement and looked to improve support for Members. It was explained that the Member Support Group would look into the issues raised relating to the disparity between support available for Councillors and staff.
It was proposed that consideration of the Notice of Motion be adjourned until such time that other issues had been looked into and brought back to the Panel for consideration.
Councillor Spikings commented that it was important for Councillors to be kept up to date on issues that impacted staff, for example Health and Safety concerns.
Councillor Squire referred to the Corporate Performance Monitoring and the increase in staff sickness absences.
The Assistant Director explained that issues relating to Health and Safety would be considered at the Joint Safety and Welfare Committee and sickness absences were still being impacted by the Pandemic, for example delays in treatments.
RESOLVED: 1. Consideration of the Notice of Motion be adjourned until other issues had been presented to the Panel for consideration.
2. An information report to be brought to the Panel providing detail of the support services available for staff.
3. A report to be brought back to the Panel providing information on current Legislation, general policies and any updates from the Local Government Association in relation to support for Members.
4. Following consideration of the above reports, the Notice of Motion be brought back to the Corporate Performance Panel so that they could present their findings back to Full Council.