Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Tracey Graham, Sheriff Christopher Hayward, Deputy Joyce Nash, Deputy Elizabeth Rogula and Ruby Sayed.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September be approved as an accurate record.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk which provided details of outstanding actions from previous meetings.

The Chair informed Members that whilst, at its recent meeting, the Policy & Resources Committee were not minded to adopt the Chair/Chairman appraisal process at this stage, P&R Members had no objection to other Committees and Sub-Committees proceeding on their own accord, should there be an appetite. The Chair of P&R would communicate this to other Committees shortly.

Over the coming weeks, the Deputy Chairman of the Establishment Committee will take soundings from Members, this will form the basis of the appraisal of the Chair for the 2019/20 civic year.     

RESOLVED – That the Committee notes the report.

To note the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2019.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and summary of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee held on 5^th September be noted.

The Director of Human Resources to be heard.

Members noted that whilst the final outcome of Brexit was still unknown, it was important to keep up the momentum on preparations to ensure all EU Citizens working at the Corporation secure settled status as soon as possible.

RESOLVED – that the Committee noted the verbal Report of the Director of HR.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a Report of the Chamberlain concerning the Transfer of Equitable Life to Utmost Life and Pensions.

RESOLVED – that the Committee approved the following:

a) agree the Corporation is to vote,

b) vote for the transfer of Equitable Life business to Utmost Life and Pensions.

Joint Report of the Chamberlain and the Comptroller & City Solicitor.

The Committee considered a joint Report of the Chamberlain and the Comptroller & City Solicitor.

RESOLVED – that the Committee approved the proposal in the report for onward approval by the Court of Common Council, to indemnify and/or insure Independent persons (through

the extension of the Corporation’s Defamation Cover) against awards of damages or

expenses incurred arising out of the disclosure of any comments made in good faith

during the exercise of their functions as Independent Persons.

Report of the Director of HR.

The Committee received a Report of the Director of HR concerning the Scheme of delegations April 2019 – September 2019.

RESOLVED – that the Committee noted the Report

The Committee received a Resolution from the Barbican Residential Committee.

The Director of HR outlined the timeline of events and confirmed that her department had supported The Barbican Estate Office when drafting the job evaluations (JEs). Whilst it was disappointing that on this occasion it had appeared that a degree of confusion about roles and responsibilities had delayed the process, HR and the Department for Communities and Children’s Services were now working closely together to ensure that the recruitment process, as a whole, was speedy, high quality, and effective.

The Director added that senior officers did need assistance when drawing up JEs as, clearly, this was not a regular part of their job – she assured Members that HR always stood ready to support and advise when colleagues were looking at JEs, and indeed, restructures.

RESOLVED – that the Committee approved the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chair to respond to the Barbican Residential Committee by way of a resolution to the next meeting of the BRC on 16^th December 2019.

There was one question concerning the People’s Award ceremony which took place at Guildhall recently. Members were concerned that there had not been enough prior notification alerting them to the event.

Officers responded that the process would be reviewed and improved for next year’s event. Separately, the Chair and the Director of HR noted that the event was at full capacity and that officers should look at whether moving the event to the Great Hall in 2020 was viable.

The following items of urgent business were raised:

A Member reminded fellow Committee Members that their security ID passes should always be clearly worn when working or visiting Guildhall and other operational buildings of the Corporation. It was incumbent upon Members to set an example to staff.  

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2019.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September were approved.

Report of the HR Director.

The Committee received a Report of the Director of HR concerning the Fundamental Review HR Roadmap.

Report of the Director of HR.

The Committee considered a Report of the Director of HR concerning the Corporation’s Redundancy policy.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee received a Report of the Chamberlain concerning the London Borough’s Legal Alliance (LBLA).

There were no questions.

There were no items of urgent business.

To agree the Confidential minutes of the last meeting held on 5^th September 2019.

The confidential minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September were approved.

The confidential minutes of the Sub-Committee meeting held on 5th September were approved.

Report of the Director of HR.

The Committee considered a Report of the Director of HR concerning pay for the Recorder and Common Serjeant.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee received a Report of the Chamberlain concerning the IT Managed Services Contract procurement.

Report of the Comptroller and City Solicitor.

The Committee received a Report of the Comptroller & City Solicitor concerning employment cases and settlements.

Report of the Director of HR.

The Committee received a Report of the Director of HR concerning a staff appeal at the City of London School.

Report of the Director of HR.

The Committee received a Report of the Director of HR concerning a staff appeal at the Open Spaces department.

Appendix to item 10.

The Town Clerk to be heard.

There was no formal update this month.

There was one piece of confidential urgent business.