Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Deputy Charles Edward Lord, Alderman Sir Charles Bowman, Alderwoman and Sheriff Dame Susan Langley and Mandeep Thandi.

Catherine McGuinness issued apologies for lateness.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 18 October 2023.

Under matters arising, the Chief People Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources gave an update on appraisals. 

It was confirmed that the number of returned appraisals had increased considerably. Beyond that, progress had been made in respect to Senior Officer appraisals. 

The Chief People Officer confirmed that appraisal meetings were largely taking place face-to-face. This was the recommended approach, where at all possible.  

As a more general point, Members commented on the need for minutes to be shared with Members in good time (i.e. before the draft set was published within the pack for the following meeting). This was acknowledged by officers and Members were advised that steps were being taken to ensure that the Governance and Member Services Team had sufficient capacity to focus on core activities, such as minute production. 

RESOLVED, that Members approve the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 18 October 2023. 

To note the minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2023.

RESOLVED, that the public minutes and non-public summary of the Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 4 September 2023, be noted. 

Report of the Chief People Officer and Executive Director of HR.

Members considered a report of the Chief People Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources concerning the ongoing Ambition 24: My Contribution, My Reward programme. 

Clarification was sought on the report having been marked ‘for discussion’. Whist the Committee had authorised the Town Clerk to progress with the work, the continued feedback from Members was considered essential to inform the process. 

There was debate on the relevance of workplace attendance and how this should be a consideration within the ‘My Contribution’ tranche of work.  

Clarification was provided over why certain institutions could not to be included within the programme, such as those informed by nationally-agreed scales. 

There was debate over the adoption of Market Forces Supplements (MFS). Some Members wished to see the introduction of a pay scale that irradicated the need for them; however, others felt that, whilst it was essential that the number of MFS reduced, it would not be possible to get rid of them entirely. This led into discussions on the City Corporation’s responsibilities as a Local Authority, but also as a private organisation and charity and how the new arrangements should respond to the different requirements that each of those sectors require. 

The consultants would be presenting options for Ambition 25, including the associated financial implications, in the spring. Once the programme had been delivered, the Reward Policy should be considered annually. This would help pick up the challenges surrounding recruitment and retention. 

Officers confirmed that the work to date was within budget but that a separate budget would need to be identified to facilitate a piece of work centring on values and behaviours. 

Members and Officers shared concern over the perception that Ambition 25 was a second iteration of the recent Target Operating Model (TOM) changes. Communication to staff was essential to dispel any

There were no questions.

The following items of urgent business were raised –

Health & Safety 

Members were advised that a detailed Health & Safety Update would come forward to their January meeting. Members asked that Health & Safety feature as a standing item on future agendas. 

Members were also provided an update on surveys undertaken for City Corporation properties with RAAC. Three properties had RAAC identified but these were all in good condition and would now be subject to regular review.  

Brexit Readiness for the Port Health Service 

Members heard from the Executive Director Environment. 

The City of London is the Port Health Authority (LPHA) for the tidal Thames and is responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary checks on food and feed at Border Control Posts (BCPs). The area includes the ports of London Gateway, Tilbury 1 & 2, Purfleet, Thamesport and Sheerness. 

On 29 August 2023 the UK Government published a new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), setting out a new border regime Including a risk based approach to border controls for food, feed, plants, seeds and live animals. 

Controls for imported food and feed will be aligned for Rest of World and EU imports and would be implemented in three stages: 

31 January 2024 - Export Health Certificates introduced 

30 April 2024 - Documentary physical and identity checks introduced.  

31 October 2024 - Use of a UK Single Trade Window to assist the import process. 

Members were advised that this change would require a significant increase in staffing early in the New Year, but that full implications and financing from Government was still being determined. 

In response to this, Members agree to delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Corporate Services Committee, to consider proposals relating to a Brexit Readiness Resourcing Plan for the Port Health Service, if

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 note the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2023.

RESOLVED, that the non-public minutes of the Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 4 September 2023, be noted. 

Report of the Chief People Officer and Executive Director of HR.

Members received a report of the Chief People Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources, regarding the extension of the managed service Temporary Agency Resource Contract. 

There was one question relating to a recent meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee.

There were no items of urgent business.

At this point in the meeting several officers departed so that items could be considered in confidential session.  

12.59 - Pursuant to Standing Order 40, Members present agreed to extend the meeting until such a time where the business on the agenda had been considered. 

To agree the Confidential minutes of the last meeting held on 18 November 2023.

RESOLVED, that the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2023, be approved as an accurate record. 

Report of the Chamberlain.

Members considered a report of the Chamberlain regarding the creation of a Grade I post. 

Report of the Executive Director of Innovation and Growth.

Members considered a report of the Executive Director of Innovation and Growth concerning the restructuring of the Destination City Team. 

Report of the Principal of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Members received a report of the Principal of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama regarding minimum hours contracts. 

Report of the Comptroller & City Solicitor and Deputy Chief Executive.

Members received a report of the Comptroller & City Solicitor regarding an update on Employment Tribunal Cases. 

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members received a report of the Town Clerk regarding action taken between meetings under urgency procedures. 

Members received a verbal update on a confidential staffing matter.