Agenda item

The Committee heard from the People Services Manager regarding the introduction of the Agile working Policy. She summarised the information as had been presented to the Joint Staff Consultative Committee, explaining that a number of staff engagement workshops had taken place with a total of 73 employees attending. A questionnaire was also available for staff to complete, with 125 employees responding.

On 6 April 2024, new legislation was introduced which provided all workers with a right to request flexible employment from day one of their employment. Acas published a guide to accompany this legislation which included the following examples: part-time working, home working, hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, job-sharing. The themes of flexible working covered the times that people work and place of work. It was highlighted that since the pandemic and improvements in technology, agile working arrangements had become more accessible to the workforce and many jobs were now no longer place or time dependant. Many roles across the council were required to work outside of normal working hours, for example evening meetings, site visits or other events, and it was recognised that working in this way ensured that those critical activities were supported.

The Committee heard that the new policy focussed on organisational outcomes, manager responsibilities and the expectations of West Lindsey District Council employees. For example, all employees would maintain a contractual work base, i.e. Guildhall, Caenby Corner Depot, Trinity Arts Centre or Lea Fields Crematorium. It was recommended that teams completed a Team Charter document, setting out clear operating days and times, meeting arrangements and assurance that wellbeing needs were met.

It was highlighted that there were many equality benefits to agile working, for example supporting those with caring responsibilities or their own health needs. Concerns raised through the consultation period had included the financial and time costs of commuting, including fuel and parking, as well as some feeling the configuration of working space in the Guildhall could be improved. Staff members felt certain aspects should be in person, such as 1-2-1s or team meetings, and there had been an agreement that additional guidelines regarding the use of MS Teams would be helpful.

The Committee were advised that the Joint Staff Consultative Committee had fully supported the policy and recommended it be approved by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for a thorough report. Members of the Committee commended the work that had been undertaken to achieve the new policy, recognising the staff input from the outset. Comments regarding the use of the Guildhall were expanded upon, with Members enquiring whether space could be re-purposed or whether satellite offices could be considered. IT was explained that as a result of the work undertaken for the new policy, option for the configuration of the Guildhall would be looked at.

Members praised the approach taken, recognising that agile working was a significant factor in recruiting and retaining staff. The support of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee was also recognised.

In response to a question as to whether the public had been consulted about their experiences, it was explained that whilst there had not been any direct public consultation, staff had been asked to provide their perception of the impact on the public. Members heard that anecdotal evidence had been overwhelmingly positive, with staff reporting higher rates of customer satisfaction due to the fact more work was being undertaken outside of standard office hours. This flexible approach benefitted customers by being able to interact with the Council at a time that suited them, especially those who worked standard office hours themselves.

Having been moved and seconded, the Chairman took the vote, and it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the recommendation of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee be supported, and the Agile Working Policy be approved;and

b)    any future minor housekeeping amendments be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Chairs of Joint Staff Consultative Committee and Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, and with the People Services Manager.