Agenda item

Report of the Head of Strategic Support is attached.

A report of the Head of Strategic Support was submitted to gain approval to implement revised Managing Employee Performance Policies and Procedures (NJC and JNC Grade) and a revised Employee Performance Guidance document (item 6 on the agenda filed with minutes).

Summary of discussion:

(i)        It was agreed to make two corrections to the heading on page 118 of the agenda, to label the Appendix as Appendix A (rather than just Appendix) and to correct the typographical error in the word “Monitoring”.

(ii)       Emphasis on the informal stages of the process was welcomed, also the additional rigour that would come with a greater clarity of process.  It was hoped that the revised process would encourage managers to address matters at an early stage, leading to improvement.

(iii)      The issue of manager confidence and training to implement the Policy was raised.  In response, the support available to managers and training provision, including that to be undertaken in respect of the revised Policy, was briefly outlined.  Support was available to managers from HR at all times and managers would be made aware of the importance of seeking that support if needed.

(iv)      Reference was made to the importance of ensuring that improved performance was sustained.  It was agreed to add the words “and sustain” to the first sentence of paragraph 1.4 on page 103 of the agenda, to read “All employees have a contractual responsibility to achieve and sustain a satisfactory level of performance at work”.

(v)       In response to a concern that some managers may allow matters to remain in the informal stages for too long, it was stated that, in particular, the support the process provided for managers from senior managers should prevent that.    

(vi)    There was brief discussion regarding a recent reminder to staff of security matters (security badges and visitors to the building, including children) and the position in those respects.

(vii)   The variations set out on page 118 of the agenda related only to the three specific officers of the Council listed.  Stage 2 there set out correctly referred to the full Personnel Committee (and not a Panel of the Committee).

(viii)  A consistent approach across the Council was essential to ensuringfairness.

RESOLVED

1.         that the implementation of revised Managing Employee Performance Policies and Procedures (NJC and JNC Grade) and a revised Employee Performance Guidance document be agreed, subject to the corrections and amendment set out in (i) and (iv) above;

2.      that an update report be submitted to the Committee in 12 months’ time, setting out how the revised Policy and Procedure has been implemented, in particular whether managers have been trained and supported and felt confident to implement the new arrangements and whether the Council’s performance managing employee performance has improved.

Reasons

1.         To outline the process in relation to employee performance for NJC and JNC employees and the additional process in relation to the Council’s three Statutory Officers (Chief Executive, Strategic Director of Corporate Services and Head of Strategic Support).  Corrections and further amendment were made by the Committee for clarity and to ensure correct emphasis on importance of sustaining performance respectively.

2.         The Committee wished to be updated on these matters at an appropriate point in time.