Agenda item

·         To approve the Project Plan and Timetable for the Review

·         To consider the Working from Home Policy and associated documents

·         Selection of Bulletins

·         Drafting of Questions

The Committee considered the Draft Project Plan and Timetable.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager informed Members that an advert had been placed on the extranet inviting staff to talk with the Committee. Further interviews had also been incorporated into the Timetable.

Members proposed changes to the Draft Project Plan. Under the aims and objectives of the review, the review should ensure that the policy was not only effective, but that it was being followed properly and fully by all managers in all areas. Under Key Issues, that the Committee not only look at the potential benefits but also the potential problems.

The Committee also considered the Working from Home Policy and the associated documents. The HR & OD Manager informed Members that the document was a relatively old one, and that a review was timely given changes to technology and the Pandemic. Members noted the processes in which the Draft Policy would need before approval, and it was agreed that the Draft Policy would be available for the Committee to provide comments on at its next meeting.

The Committee had a wide ranging discussion on the practicalities of employees working from home on a more regular basis, which included additional costs, insurance and maintaining a good service.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager informed Members of a discussion session which would be taking place with staff, and that the Committee could submit any questions that they would like to ask via email.

RESOLVED –

(1)     That the Project Plan and Timetable for the Review be approved.

(2)   That the update be noted.