To consider Report CFO/076/14 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (on behalf of the Task & Finish Group), concerning the feedback and recommendations of the Task & Finish Group, established to review HR Policies and Procedures in relation to sickness absence and discipline.

Members considered report CFO/076/14 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer regarding the Feedback of the Task and Finish Group, established to review HR Policies and Procedures and the recommendations of the Performance and Scrutiny Committee in relation to sickness absence and discipline; and requesting the Authority to determine approval of the adoption of the new Policies and Procedures, as resulted from the review. 

Members of the Task and Finish Group were given opportunity to comment on their findings and Union representatives given opportunity to voice their opinion.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) Official acknowledged that comments and amendments had been submitted by the FBU in relation to the documents, the majority of which were accepted for inclusion. The FBU expressed concern that to agree the Policies before the Authority would have meant over turning a Local Agreement reached in 2005 with Joint Secretaries.

The Chair responded to the FBU Official and confirmed that what was locally agreed in 2005 was likely to have been appropriate at the time, however explained that it was important that the Authority consider what is appropriate now in the current climate, and do their best to ensure that the appropriate policies are in place now to support the reducing workforce. 

Resolved that:

a)    The work undertaken by the Task and Finish Group be noted; and the ceasing of its function be approved.

b)    The recommendation of the Task and Finish Group and the Performance & Scrutiny Committee, to endorse the introduction of the following Policies and Procedures, be approved:                               

·         Conduct & Capability Policy

·         Absence & Attendance Service

                           Instruction

·         Capability Service Instruction

·         Conduct (Discipline) Service

                      Instruction

·         Firefighter Health & Fitness Service

                      Instruction

·         Medical Discharge Procedure

·         Positive Mental Health and

                      Wellbeing – Service Instruction

c)    The recommendation of the Task and Finish Group and Performance & Scrutiny Committee, to revoke the local agreement of 2005 in respect of Disciplinary Management Levels and in doing so agree to the reversion back to those stipulations contained within the Grey Book for ALL staff, be approved.

d)    The attendance of Members of the Task & Finish Group, at training sessions with Managers around the new procedures, be approved.

e)    The submission of regular update reports to the Performance & Scrutiny Committee, regarding implementation of the policies and procedures, be approved.