Subject to the removal of apologies for P Brady, noting that P brady is not a member of Resources Committee, the minutes of the Resources Committee held on Friday 23 January 2026, were approved as a correct record. 

There was no urgent business

There were no member declarations of interest.

No members of the public had given notice to make representations at this meeting.

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.

The People Manager presented the report which was seeking approval of the revised Safeguarding Policy for 2026 and also the report seeks approval of the proposed Safeguarding Action Plan for 2026/27.  Safeguarding is a core responsibility for the Authority.  During last year safeguarding arrangements were subject to a systematic review using NSPCC safety check standards checklist. It was noted that there has not been any safeguarding incidents within the past year. 

Members discussed the following:

•         All the staff are required to complete the training and a record kept.  Last year 231 staff members completed the safe-guarding training on ELMS.

•         It was noted that in paragraph 4.4 of Appendix 1 it should read “themself” instead of himself/herself.

•         The scope of responsibilities was discussed and it was noted that a member of the People Team worked closely with the Peak District Foundation on their employment policies.

•         The frequency at which the safe-guarding group meets was discussed and it needs to be proportionate to the work involved.  The group is scheduled to meet six-monthly however can meet on an ad-hoc basis as needed and if a situation arises.

•         The policy with regard to work-experience students was discussed and whether there was a robust process in place to protect both the students and staff. 

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

RESOLVED:

1.      Subject to the amendment identified in paragraph 4.4, the revised Safeguarding Policy (Appendix 1) is approved as Authority policy from 24 April 2026.

2.      The Safeguarding annual report 2025-26 (Appendix 2), is noted.

3.      The draft Action Plan for 2026-27 (Appendix 3), is approved.

The Access & Rights of Way Officer presented the report which provides an update on Defra Access Capital funding and the Access for All programme. 

Members discussed the following:

•         The recent Countryfile episode which showed the real-life implications of this funding.  If the money is not totally spent in the allocated timeframe it is returned to DEFRA.  There is no indication that this would then affect the allocation for the next year and the criteria for funding would remain the same.

•         Congratulations were extended to staff from the Members for the spend and how it has been achieved within the corporate objective.

•         Is there a measure of how much the facilities are being used and impact on the communities who will benefit? There is a report on outcomes to DEFRA which can include figures on the number of hires of equipment.  Working with partners to ensure that the needs are being met and the impact.

•         The Tramper booking system was explained to Members and Members requested details of number of hires.

•         The demographic of the visitors was discussed and there is a system of visitors surveys completed on-site detailing where visitors are coming from and their destination along with other monitoring taking place by the Strategy and Performance Team. 

•         Miles without Stiles initiative was discussed and how routes are identified. 

•         It was noted that this is a 3-year funding programme however in year 2 the Peak District National Park did not receive any funding as it was allocated to other protected landscapes.

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

RESOLVED:

1.      The acceptance of the Access Capital funding of up to £350,000 for each of the years 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29 (total £1,050,000) is approved.  Approval of the terms of funding is delegated to the Head of Assets and Enterprise in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer.

2.      That approval is granted to incur expenditure relating to the Access Capital programme of up to £350,000 in each of the years 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, pursuant to Part 3, C3.(c), subject to compliance with the Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders.

3.      That approval is granted to exempt Standing Orders Part 2 (Contract Procedure Rules), pursuant to paragraph 13.1.1 of Standing Order CP13 in respect of the provision by Highway Authorities of works, services and supplies as a common undertaking.

4.      That authority is delegated to the Authority Solicitor to enter into and determine the terms and conditions of all legal documentation required relating to this Programme in the best interests of the Authority.

5.      That this Project be monitored by the Resources Committee or such other group as may be appointed with the same remit.

The Committee is asked to consider, in respect of the exempt items whether the public should be excluded from the meeting to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information.

Draft motion:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 11 and 12 to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information under S100 (A) (4) Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A paragraphs 2, 3 and 5 “These items contain information likely to reveal the identity of an individual, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

The Committee is asked to consider, in respect of the exempt items whether the public should be excluded from the meeting to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information.

Draft motion:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 11, and 12, to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information under S100 (A) (4) Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A paragraph 2, 3 and 5 “These items contain information likely to reveal the identity of an individual, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.”

The draft motion as set out above was proposed, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

21/26 Project Risk Assessment

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

22/26 Exempt minutes from Resources Committee on Friday 23 January 2026

The exempt minutes from Resources Committee on Friday 23 January 2026 were approved as a correct record.