Minutes:
Councillor G Challen declared an interest in the next item and left the meeting.
1. The Chairman informed Members regarding the forthcoming retirement of a member of staff on the 10th March 2022.
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Miller and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council that the employee be offered early release from 1st January 2022 on the terms and conditions agreed by the Personnel Committee.
Councillor G Challen was invited and returned to the meeting.
2. The Chairman updated Members on the welfare of a member of staff.
It was RESOLVED to note.
3. The Chairman informed Members regarding a Covid-19 phase return and hybrid working request from a member of staff.
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED to decline the request due to business needs of the Council.
4. The Chairman updated Members on the recent appointment of a Service Delivery General Assistant (Grounds Maintenance) and the urgent requirement to appointment another permanent Service Delivery General Assistant to assist with the grounds maintenance works.
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to appoint the next successful Service Delivery General Assistant (Grounds Maintenance) candidate within budget on 37 hours per week, NJC 7 – 9, commencing on point 7, allocated to budget code Services Staffing Costs.
5. The Chairman informed Members that both the Chair and Vice Chair of Personnel approved one week’s unpaid leave for the year 2021-22 for a member of staff due to personal reasons.
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to ratify the approval for a member of staff to take one week’s unpaid leave for the year 2021-22.
6. The Chairman updated Members on an incident that occurred at St Stephen’s Churchyard.
The correct reporting procedures have been followed, including the incident being reported under RIDDOR’s over-seven-day injuries to workers as a legal requirement.
It was RESOLVED to note.
7. The Chairman informed Members of the recent recruitment agency transfer fee for the appointment of a Service Delivery General Assistant (Grounds Maintenance).
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to ratify the approval of the agency transfer fee at a cost of £1,000 allocated to budget code Staff Recruitment for the position of a Service Delivery General Assistant (Grounds Maintenance).
8. The Vice Chairman informed Members of the need for a qualified Town Clerk to be contacted with immediate effect to assist the Acting Town Clerk and for the Acting Town Clerk to direct the qualified Town Clerk in the day to day running of the Council.
It was proposed by Councillor Taylor, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED that the Chairman of Personnel contacts a qualified Town Clerk to assist the Acting Town Clerk with immediate effect on 30 hours per week in ensuring the Town Council is correctly run according to Local Government regulations and legislation.
Members recognised a longer timeframe is required to appoint a permanent Town Clerk/RFO, to consider dividing the roles and determine a suitable job description and person specification.
It was proposed by Councillor Challen, seconded by Councillor Taylor and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council that Councillors G Challen and Miller together with the Acting Town Clerk work up an advert, job description and person specification for a qualified Town Clerk on a six month fixed term contract for 30 hours per week, NJC 37 – 41, commencing on point 37, to assist the Acting Town Clerk in ensuring the Town Council is correctly run according to Local Government regulations and legislation.