Issue - meetings

Council, on 10^th September 2020, adopted a Parental Leave policy and asked for 2 aspects to be further explored, to be reported back to the Council AGM in May 2021 regarding proxy voting; and options for handling casework.

The Council considered a report back on 2 aspects of the Parental leave policy which they had asked to be further explored regarding proxy voting and casework options.

On a motion from Councillor Robin Moss, seconded by Councillor Winston Duguid, it was unanimously

RESOLVED

1.  Note the position regarding proxy voting;

2.  Agree the following indicative steps for when a councillor indicates they intend to take a period of parental leave;

The Group Leader has a discussion with the councillor to establish;

a.  A formal agreement of relevant dates for start and end of period of leave (end date could be amended) and an agreement to notify this and any changes to Democratic Services;

b.  Whether the councillor would like to maintain any councillor responsibilities during this period and, if so, which ones;

c.  How and how often the councillor would like to be contacted;

d.  How they would like their Councillor Contact webpage to be amended regarding contact details;

e.  Record keeping arrangements during the period of leave;

f.  A review and handover of open issues at the start of the period of parental leave;

g.  Return/settling back in review at the end of the leave (work handover, whether further support is needed)

h.  Any other relevant considerations including undertaking a risk assessment as required;

i.  The Group Leader or Political Assistant then communicates the above information to Democratic Services and they jointly agree what is needed.  Understandably, each case will be individual, and so a flexible approach will be needed, and the arrangements may need to adapt with circumstances.

j.  Advice and support will be available from Democratic Services.