Agenda item

The report which asked Members to approve the policy on hybrid working and note the guidance on hybrid working document, was presented by the Head of Information and Performance Management as the Head of People Management was unable to attend.

Some Members felt that that the wording of the policy was too vague and that insufficient consideration had been given to the practicalities of hot desking such as having a satisfactory booking system and ensuring that desks were kept clean.  Concern was also raised regarding the 6 month qualification period for new staff to move to hybrid working.  It was also requested that the paragraphs of the policy be numbered and that GDPR should be covered.

The Chief Executive advised that the generous provision of desks meant that a booking system was not necessary, and that the policy and guidance had been agreed with Unison and Staff Committee.  It was deliberately worded in order to be flexible and to assist with recruitment.

With regards to insurance, in response to a Member query Officers advised that staff should let their own insurers know that they were home working, but any equipment would be covered by the Authority’s insurance.

A motion to approve the recommendations was moved.

A request was made for an additional recommendation to be added that the policy and guidance should be reviewed periodically at the Programmes and Resources Committee.

A motion to approve the recommendations with the additional recommendation that the policy and guidance should be reviewed periodically by the Programmes and Resources Committee was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Policy on hybrid working as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

2.    To note the Guidance on hybrid working as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

3.    That the Policy and Guidance be reviewed periodically by the Programmes and Resources Committee.