Agenda item

Report of the Director of Human Resources.

The Committee received a report of the Director of HR detailing the proposed Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, the aim of which would contribute to outcomes required in the new corporate plan: people enjoy good health and wellbeing by providing a framework that would encourage and facilitate working practices and services and help support employee health and wellbeing.

Members raised a number of questions in relation to the ability of staff to work from home, and also whether or not it was possible to differentiate between absence due to home and/or work factors absence statistics.

A member highlighted the fact that chronic stress could have a serious impact on physical as well as psychological health, and suggested that the policy be amended to explicitly recognise the interconnectedness between physical and mental health. This was supported by the Committee.

RESOLVED – To note the report and agree that delegated authority be given to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to approve the final wording of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy.