Issue - meetings

The People Manager presented the report which was seeking approval of the revised occupational Safety and Health Policy and the Health, Safety and Wellbeing objectives for 2026-27. 

It was noted that this is the second year of operating without a dedicated Health & Safety Officer.  Responsibility for Health and Safety sits within the team where the work happens with support from the People Team.  In the past year the incident occurrence has reduced overall and there has been significant reduction in the number of sickness absences over the past year.  From the Staff and Volunteer survey there were strong assurances on core Health & Safety arrangements with staff and volunteers reporting feeling safe in their working environment.  Well-being responses in the survey are more mixed with a significant minority who recorded a neutral response – this is to be expected having been through a period of organisational change.  Actions arising from the survey findings are being considered and will be taken forward and scrutinised.

Members discussed the following:

•         In Appendix 2 the figure of “no-one near miss” was explained.

•         The corporate objective for all employees was discussed and the percentage of employees which have this objective. 

•         It was explained that mental health absence is quite high and although comparable with national figures, this continues to be tracked separately.

•         The tool kits in place for supporting staff were described and staff are encouraged to work from home when ill, the focus is on prevention.

•         The figures relating to training completed were useful but an improvement to the reporting strategy was suggested to detail the percentage of eligible against required staff trained.

•         There was discussion as to whether there should be a clear mental health policy and a dedicated objective.

The recommendations as set out in the report were moved and seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.      That the revised Occupational Safety and Health Policy (Appendix 1), is approved as Authority policy from 24 April 2026.

2.      The Occupational Safety and Health annual report 2025-26 (Appendix 2), is noted.

3.      The Health, Safety and Wellbeing objectives for 2026-27 (Appendix 3), are approved.