Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To seek approval of the Council’s Substance Misuse Policy, Transgender Policy and updates to the Grievance Policy.

Decision

That the Council’s Substance Misuse Policy, Transgender Policy and updates to the Grievance Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

Substance Misuse Policy

The was a new policy which ensured that the Council recognised that substance misuse related problems were an area of health and social concern and to ensure that the Council provided adequate support to employees with such problems.

The policy also outlined the procedures and process which would be followed should an employee’s conduct or capability cause work related issues brought on by consumption of alcohol or any illicit substance.

A copy of the policy was appended to the report.

Transgender Policy

This was a new policy to demonstrate that the Council was committed to ensuring that transgender employees were treated with dignity and respect and were not disadvantaged in the workplace.

The policy set out the steps the Council took to welcome and support transgender employees and prevent discrimination.

A copy of the policy was appended to the report.

Grievance Policy

Sections 5.8 to 5.10 had been added to the policy to outline the procedure for when an employee’s health prevented them from participating in the grievance procedure.

Section 6.2 had been reworded to read ‘The informal meeting should only consist of the manager and the employee, however if the matters involve another employee they may also be invited to attend’.

A copy of the updated policy was appended to the report.

Councillor Metcalfe said that a lot of good work was taking place in reviewing Human Resources policies such as these and welcomed this report. Members agreed that the introduction of a Transgender Policy in particular was a positive move forward for the authority.

Councillor Donald Nannestad asked how these policies would be circulated to members of staff so that they were all aware of their implications. All staff would have access to these policies and it was noted that the Human Resources Team was in the process of planning training for managers in order that knowledge of these policies could be highlighted and cascaded to all members of staff.

Councillor Jackie Kirk, in relation to the Transgender Policy, asked whether there had been any developments in respect of single sex toilets. Single sex toilets were already available by way of existing disabled facilities in the building but the Council’s Facilities Management Team was aware of the need for more designated single sex facilities, which it was in the process of looking into.