Agenda item

A report was considered that sought approval of the proposed new Smart Working Policy and Procedure which set out an approach to modern working practices such as hours, location and methods.  The policy was the next stage of the Council’s Accommodation and Hub Strategy and would use technology to maintain strong employee performance whilst also reducing office space.

Smart working could deliver a wide range of benefits to the Council including greater productivity, improved communication, reduced commuting time, fewer incidences of sickness and increased staff retention.  Three types of working style had been identified – homeworker, local independent worker and office based worker.  The policy and procedure was designed to support managers and staff assess the most suitable smart working arrangements for each individuals role.

Members raised a number of issues including whether performance management arrangements were strong enough to monitor staff working away from the office and the anticipated level of savings expected under the new approach.  It was recognised that this would be a new way of working between managers and their staff with clear roles and outcomes agreed at the start of the process, supported by an operational agreement.  Trust was a key part of the new approach and each role would be assessed individually.  The IT solutions would also need to be agreed to support remote working and whilst there would be some costs arising from this, there were long term savings from digital transformation and a reduction in office space.  In response to a question about how the policy would relate to temporary staff, it was noted that the potential flexibility was expected to help retain staff and reduce sickness.

After due consideration, the Committee approved the Smart Working Policy and Procedure as set out in the appendices to the report.

Resolved –  That the Smart Working Policy and Procedure which supported the Council’s Accommodation and Hub Strategy be approved.