Issue - meetings

This report sets out proposals for what this means for the way we work and the basis of which we deliver services for the future. It asks Cabinet to support the new Agile work offer and online protocols as part of the ‘Process’ workstream in the How We Work programme.

Councillor Kam Kaur explained that prior to the Pandemic the County Council had been examining the way in which its staff operate. The introduction of M365 and new devices had gone a long way to enabling a new approach. The first Pandemic lockdown had seen over 4500 staff move overnight to a new approach involving home working.

Cabinet was informed that a new agile working approach is to be introduced to staff. It is considered to be an exciting new development that has already seen a reduction in staff sickness.

Councillor Helen Adkins welcomed the introduction of flexible working but suggested that staff should be given the choice of whether they adopt it. The cost of working at home need to be taken account of with staff being paid for heating and lighting their own homes.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse noted that the report used the terms “flexible working” and “agile working” in the same way. He noted that they are two separate concepts and suggested they should be used in a way distinct from each other.

Councillor Keith Kondakor noted that despite home working appearing to be less stressful, people can “burn out” at home as easily as in an office environment. Some staff would benefit from enhancements to their broadband connection; an enhancement that might cost relatively little to the Council. Finally, Councillor Kondakor stressed the need for people to leave their houses for fresh air and a break during the working day.

Councillor Les Caborn considered that the proposals before Cabinet would provide a good work/life balance to staff. He did, however, acknowledge that it would not suit everybody.

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services) added that it is good for people to be together as it helps develop an esprit de corps.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.       Supports the adoption of the Agile Working Offer and Online Protocols as part of the How We Work programme as set out in Appendices 1 and 2.

2.       Notes the overall progress of the How We Work Programme and the future work to complete the Programme as set out in Appendix 3.