Agenda item

Report enclosed

Having introduced Caroline Fraser (Strategy and Commissioning Manager (HROD)) to the committee Sarah McCluskey (HR Business Partner) introduced the published report summarising its key points. The committee considered the proposals for military personnel. With reference to paragraph 1.6 in the report it was noted that the council has achieved bronze status on the MOD’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. There is, however, an aspiration to achieve gold status. There are currently 14 staff members who would benefit from the proposals as set out in the report.

Members expressed their support for the proposal. Councillor Bob Stevens emphasised the need to provide as much support as possible to serving and ex-military personnel adding that people who have served in the military often bring a wide range of skills and experiences to their work at the council. This view was echoed by Councillor Bill Gifford who observed that his father had experienced difficulties in securing employment when he left the armed forces.

In response to a question from Councillor Gifford, Phil Deakin (Armed Forces Covenant Community Projects Worker) confirmed that all three armed forces are treated equally. Members agreed that it will be important to ensure that the additional leave does not undermine the capacity of the council to deliver services. To this end a policy guidance document is to be produced. The situation will also be assisted by the MOD arranging training well in advance. The committee agreed its support for the proposals as they relate to existing and prospective foster carers.

Resolved

That the Staff and Pensions Committee:

1) Approves the proposal for up to 10 days paid leave per annum (pro rata for part time staff) for employees serving in the Reserve Armed Forces or those volunteering their time as Adult Cadet Instructors for undertaking their annual training camp or other training specific to their Reserve or Adult Cadet Instructor role.

2) Approves the proposal for up to 10 days additional unpaid leave in total (pro rata for part time staff) within a 3 year period, and each successive 3 year period thereafter, for those serving in the Reserve Armed Forces or volunteering their time as Adult Cadet Instructors, for undertaking additional specialist training to enhance their role or for progression within the Reserve or Cadet Forces.

3) Approves the proposal to introduce a Guaranteed Interview Scheme where the essential criteria for a post are met by external candidates:

• who are serving Armed Forces personnel during the 12 weeks prior to their discharge date from the Armed Forces;

• who are ex-Armed Forces personnel within 3 years of their discharge date or;

• where the Armed Forces were their last long-term substantive employer

4) Approves Warwickshire County Council becoming a Fostering Friendly Employer, through subscribing to the Fostering Network’s Fostering Friendly Employer Scheme.

5) Approves the proposal for up to 5 days paid leave (pro rata for part time staff) for employees who intend to become foster carers, in the first year of fostering for the purposes of undertaking training and/or activity in relation to their assessment as foster carers.

6) Approves the proposal for up to 3 days additional paid leave per annum (pro rata for part time staff) for employees who are approved foster carers in the years following approval for the purposes of undertaking learning, development or preparation for the placement of a child or young person.

7) Approval of leave in recommendations 1,2, 5 and 6 will be at the discretion of the line manager subject to business need, with ultimate discretion by the Assistant Director if the employee is not satisfied with their decision.