C McLeod and J McMenemy, (GMB); and S McAllister, (UNITE).

Councillor Glen.

The Convener indicated that there were additional items in relation to the implementation of the Council’s Care at Home service and Refuse Collectors at Underwood Road, which had not been included in the notice calling the meeting. The Convener, being of the opinion that the items, which were dealt with at items 6 and 7 below, were competent, authorised their consideration.

S Hicks referred to a recent restructuring which he advised had been undertaken without consultation and which had been subsequently implemented. He advised that the issue had been raised by the Trade Union but the service manager involved had continued the exercise and implemented the restructure.

The Principal HR Adviser indicated that he had been advised that the restructure had not been implemented at this time.

Councillor Williams proposed that the position be clarified and a report thereon be submitted to the next meeting of this Board. This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:    That the position with regard to the proposed restructure of the Care at Home Service be clarified ant that a report thereon be submitted to the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Board (Non-Teaching).

S Hicks expressed concerns with regard to the current position in relation to suitable areas to be used as welfare facilities for Refuse Collectors working in various locations throughout Renfrewshire.  He advised that a meeting had been scheduled for 27 April 2017 to discuss this and other issues raised by employees however the union representatives were unable attend at that time.    

The Amenity Services Manager indicated that she was happy to meet representatives from Unison following on from the meeting as there were a number of issues which required to be discussed at the request of representatives from all Unions.

S Hicks indicated the need for clarification of which facilities could be used and when they were open and asked if contact details could be given to ensure that employees gain access to facilities.

The Amenity Services Manager indicated that a list of premises had been issued to Trade Unions and that she has been in discussion with RLL to look at identifying further suitable locations and would pursue this and would make this information available to staff. She also intimated that facilities would not be considered where there could be protection/security issues.

DECIDED:    That the information be noted.

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

It was proposed and agreed that J McMenemy chair the meeting.

DECIDED:    That J McMenemy chair the meeting.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Consultative Board: Non-Teaching held on 8 February 2017.

DECIDED:    That that Minute be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Head of HR relative to developments with regard to health and safety issues. The report detailed policies and guidance that were currently being revised and outlined training courses which had been undertaken since the last meeting of the Board.  In particular, it was noted that the following policies were being revised and an update of progress was provided as follows: -

Statutory Inspections – issued;

CDM Guidance – awaiting approval for issue;

Guidance on Slips, Trips and Falls – being revised; and

Control of Legionella Bacteria in Hot and Cold Water Systems – new process to be added which would be delayed until the process was finalised.

The report advised that the health and safety section continued to assist services to retain accreditation to BS OHSAS 18001:2007, and indicated that the next audit was scheduled for September 2017.

The report advised that as part of the Healthy Working Lives Gold award programme, the health and safety section and the Health & Social Care Partnership were working together to further develop shared events and that the programme would be presented to this Board when finalised.

The report indicated that two safety flashes had been issued across the Council relating to ladders and the safe use of compactors.

DECIDED:    That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Head of HR relative to the number of agency staff employed within the Council as at March 2017, and detailing the capacity and service in which they were engaged. 

DECIDED:    That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Head of HR relative to details of grievances received.

The report provided information on grievances at both the informal and formal stages.  The report indicated that there were a total of seven grievances as at April 2017, an increase of three since the last report.

DECIDED:    That the report be noted.