The General Purposes Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss a range of HR-related matters. The meeting's agenda included a review of the council's workforce data, updates to key HR policies, and the consideration of the Pay Policy Statement for the upcoming year.

People Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from the Chief People Officer, Dan Paul, detailing workforce data for September 2025. This report, available as the September 2025 People Report - GPC Report, aimed to provide officers and members with accessible workforce data to support strategic decision-making. Key headlines from the report indicated a slight increase in the council's established workforce, a significant reduction in agency worker numbers and costs, and a decrease in the use of consultants and interims. Sickness rates had improved across all areas, leading to a reduction in sickness-related costs. The report also highlighted the number of employees starting and completing apprenticeships.

HR Policies

A comprehensive report on HR Policies was presented by the Chief People Officer, Tanya Patchett, Head of Employee Relations, Business Partners and Reward. This report, detailed in the GPC Report HR Policy Jan 2026, outlined proposed changes to several key policies to ensure they align with ACAS best practice, legal requirements, and the council's local needs.

The committee was asked to consider and approve changes to the Job Evaluation Policy, the Induction Policy, and the Recruitment Policy.

The updated Job Evaluation Policy Appendix A - Job Evaluation Policy 12 2025 aims to ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent approach to assessing the relative value of jobs within the council. It clarifies the criteria for conducting job evaluations, the process for requesting them, and the turnaround times. The policy also details the outcomes of evaluations, including provisions for regrading to a higher or lower grade, and outlines the appeals process.

The revised Induction Policy Appendix B - Induction Policy 12 2025 focuses on welcoming, supporting, and equipping new employees. It details the induction process from pre-start to ongoing support, emphasizing the legal framework governing employment and the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The policy also addresses non-compliance with induction requirements.

The Recruitment Policy Appendix C - Recruitment Policy was updated to include provisions for converting fixed-term employees to permanent employees where appropriate, and to change the delegation for authorising the conversion of agency workers to permanent employees. These changes aim to continue the council's success in reducing agency worker numbers. The policy reiterates the council's commitment to selecting on merit, showcasing Haringey as an excellent employer, and maximising opportunities for local people and existing staff.

Additionally, the committee was asked to approve and remit the Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 Appendix D - Pay Policy Statement 2026_27 for endorsement by Full Council. This statement, required by the Localism Act 2011, outlines the council's approach to pay and conditions of service, emphasizing transparency and value for money. It details remuneration arrangements for senior staff and other employees, the council's commitment to the London Living Wage, and the use of job evaluation schemes. The statement also includes information on the pay multiple, pay on appointment, market supplement payments, and pension arrangements.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as noting apologies for absence, considering urgent business, and declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 October 2025 were scheduled for agreement.