“The Council is concerned to ensure that there is full accountability and transparency in the management of the Council. There is an urgent need to ensure member involvement in staff welfare and working conditions in order to promote morale during this difficult period. It is considered that the historic instances of bullying uncovered by the Scrutiny Committee and the disastrous historic outcome of the IESE investigation would not have arisen if there had been proper direct relations between members and staff.
In order to remedy this weakness in the Council's administration, the Council hereby recommends that the Head of Paid Service establishes a Joint Works Group (JWG), to sit alongside other consultation bodies, with a responsibility to report to members but no decision-making powers. The membership of the JWG shall be determined by the Head of Paid Service. The JWG shall meet quarterly, and the first meeting of the JWG shall be held within 28 days of this meeting. The JWG shall determine all matters of internal procedure relating to its own operation and all meetings of JWG shall be confidential and press and public shall be excluded. The purpose of the JWG will be to ensure member involvement in staff welfare and working conditions in order to promote morale during this difficult period. Once this difficult period (Covid-19 pandemic) ends, the Head of Paid Service will review the continuance of the JWG.”
Minutes:
“The Council is concerned to ensure that there is full accountability and transparency in the management of the Council. There is an urgent need to ensure member involvement in staff welfare and working conditions in order to promote morale during this difficult period. It is considered that the historic instances of bullying uncovered by the Scrutiny Committee and the disastrous historic outcome of the IESE investigation would not have arisen if there had been proper direct relations between members and staff.
In order to remedy this weakness in the Council's administration, the Council hereby recommends that the Head of Paid Service establishes a Joint Works Group (JWG), to sit alongside other consultation bodies, with a responsibility to report to members but no decision-making powers. The membership of the JWG shall be determined by the Head of Paid Service. The JWG shall meet quarterly, and the first meeting of the JWG shall be held within 28 days of this meeting. The JWG shall determine all matters of internal procedure relating to its own operation and all meetings of JWG shall be confidential and press and public shall be excluded. The purpose of the JWG will be to ensure member involvement in staff welfare and working conditions in order to promote morale during this difficult period. Once this difficult period (COVID-19 pandemic) ends, the Head of Paid Service will review the continuance of the JWG.”
Councillor Clark proposed and Councillor Potter seconded the following amendment:
Replace “determined by the Head of Paid Service” with “six union representatives, six Councillors and six members of management.”
And
Delete “during this difficult period. Once this difficult period (COVID-19 pandemic) ends, the Head of Paid Service will review the continuance of the JWG.”
Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was carried.
Voting record
15 For
13 Against
Recorded vote
For
Councillors J Andrews, P Andrews, Brackstone, Burr, Clark, Cussons, Frank, Keal, Mason, Middleton, Potter, Raine, Riby, Thackray and Wass
Against
Councillors Arnold, Bailey, Cleary, Delaney, Docwra, Duncan, Garbutt Moore, Goodrick, Graham, King, Mackenzie, Oxley and Windress
Upon being put to the vote, the substantive motion was carried.
Resolved
The Council recommends that the Head of Paid Service establishes a Joint Works Group (JWG), to sit alongside other consultation bodies, with a responsibility to report to members but no decision-making powers. The membership of the JWG shall be six union representatives, six councillors and six members of management. The JWG shall meet quarterly, and the first meeting of the JWG shall be held within 28 days of this meeting. The JWG shall determine all matters of internal procedure relating to its own operation and all meetings of JWG shall be confidential and press and public shall be excluded. The purpose of the JWG will be to ensure member involvement in staff welfare and working conditions in order to promote morale.
Voting record
15 For
13 Against
Recorded vote
For
Councillors J Andrews, P Andrews, Brackstone, Burr, Clark, Cussons, Frank, Keal, Mason, Middleton, Potter, Raine, Riby, Thackray and Wass
Against
Councillors Arnold, Bailey, Cleary, Delaney, Docwra, Duncan, Garbutt Moore, Goodrick, Graham, King, Mackenzie, Oxley and Windress