Issue - meetings

Cabinet:

Approved the introduction of the Hybrid Working Policy.

This decision was first published on Monday 13 June and so the deadline for call-in is Monday 20 June at 5 pm.

Cabinet:

Approved the introduction of the Hybrid Working Policy.

Cabinet received the Hybrid Working Policy. Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, described how Officers had been working from home since the first national lockdown in March 2020, and how all departments had put measures in place to allow the continued delivery of services to residents while working remotely.

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, commented on the challenges for the planning department during the previous two years, but concluded that flexible working had provided a positive impact.

Councillor John Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, commented on the front-line staff within the Housing department who had been required to work in South Cambridgeshire Hall, and requested that staff could continue to use the meeting rooms. The Head of Transformation, HR and Corporate Services responded that this would continue following the adoption of the policy.

Councillor Brian Milnes, Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment, was supportive of the policy, commenting on the influx of technology being used by Officers to work remotely, and to work collaboratively, despite not working at South Cambridgeshire Hall. It was also commented the future use of South Cambridgeshire Hall with Officers continuing to work from home. The Head of Transformation, HR and Corporate Services responded that the use of the building was currently being discussed, with the potential use of small businesses renting parts of the building. It was also commented that the policy would be reviewed annually.

Councillor Anna Bradnam, while pleased with the policy, asked if any work was being investigated for Members. Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Council commented that Members attending Committees in person was due to current legislation.

Councillor Heather Williams was pleased with the policy but asked if provisions were being made for Officers who were established in their careers. The Head of Transformation, HR and Corporate Services noted that mentors would be appointed for new staff.

Councillor Sue Ellington also supported the policy but asked whether Officers would be able to keep Councillors informed of updates to their queries. The Chief Executive responded that this was being discussed with colleagues, and the implementation of this would be reviewed.

Councillor Judith Rippeth, the Deputy Leader, noted introduction of the hybrid working policy would create a flexible working environment for a modern workforce and commented that each department would be reviewed on regularly, to ensure the policy’s effectiveness for officers, residents and local Members.

Councillor Peter McDonald, Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development, supported the policy, but commented that arrangements made by the policy should be consistent across teams.

Councillor Bridget Smith, closed the discussion, and Cabinet:

Approved the introduction of the Hybrid Working Policy.