Agenda item

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The Assistant Director for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection presented the updated Health and Safety and Welfare Policy, outlining it’s structure, legal obligations, and the responsibilities of staff and members, with the Panel discussing the application of case law, support for members under stress, and the separation of internal and regulatory health and safety duties before agreeing to recommend the policy for adoption.

The policy was divided into three parts: a statement of intent, governance arrangements and responsibilities, and further organisational arrangements. It clarified that wholly owned companies must have their own policies and that the policy was concise to allow for easier updates, with supporting guidance to be made available separately.

In response to a query from Councillor Nash on the Women for Scotland Supreme Court hearing and case law; the Chief of Staff and Monitoring Officer explained the need to respond to new guidance on equality and diversity. She explained that the council would review its facilities and policies in light of new guidance and case law, with scrutiny committees involved in the process.

In response to a question from the Vice – Chair, Councillor Long, the Assistant Director for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection clarified that the policy covers the council’s internal health and safety obligations, while statutory regulatory duties (such as food premises inspections) are managed separately.

Members’ roles in both areas were discussed, with emphasis on their inclusion in the internal policy as Members were not employees of the Borough Council however Members used the facilities and engage with residents therefore Members had responsibility. He referred members to page 87 where this was outlined and the Panel were advised guidance and training was to be provided as Members role in this policy was important to be clarified.

Councillor Nash questioned what support was available for Members under stress. The Chief of Staff and Monitoring Officer explained support was to be considered on a case to case basis and the Local Government Association provides training on civility in public life and safeguarding for Councillors. The Leader endorsed the Chief of Staff and Monitoring Officer comments and advised it may not be formal support but assistance to Councillors was to be provided. He commented in relation to the policy there was a need for an overarching policy as there was good culture however it was not formalised into a policy. He added Officers and Members were all responsible for Health and Safety.

The panel agreed to recommend the adoption of the policy, delegate responsibility for annual administrative reviews to the Chief of Staff, and require significant changes to be brought back to Council for approval.

RESOLVED: The Panel supported the Recommendation to Council:

Council Recommendation:

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