The Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee met on Wednesday 5th June 2019, approving in-year revisions to the Pay Policy Statement for 2019/20 and agreeing to establish a Joint Appointments Sub-Committee. The committee also noted reports on workforce indicators, sickness absence, and the Chief Executive's performance targets.

Pay Policy Statement Revisions

The committee recommended that Richmond and Wandsworth Councils approve in-year revisions to the Pay Policy Statement for 2019/20. These changes are primarily to reflect updates from the ongoing SSA terms and conditions review. Key areas for revision include terms and conditions for staff on joint employment contracts, adjustments to Chief Officer and senior management grades, formal agreement to the Premature Baby Maternity Policy, and consideration of government consultation on exit payments. The report highlighted that the exit payment proposals could affect not only senior staff but also those with long service due to pension implications. It was also noted that staff with additional long-service leave entitlement would be offered protection, though this would reduce over time as staff turnover occurs. Revisions to pay scales will be included in council reports in July.

Joint Appointments Sub-Committee

A Joint Appointments Sub-Committee is to be established for the role of Assistant Director of Environment and Community Services (Planning and Transport Strategy). The committee delegated authority to the Chief Executive to liaise with the two Group Leaders and group whips to appoint Members and alternate Members for this sub-committee.

Workforce Indicators and Sickness Absence

The committee received an updated report on key workforce indicators for the SSA, including headcount, turnover, and sickness. The report also included an analysis of exit questionnaires. The committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to an SSA sickness absence target of 6.0 FTE days for 2019/20. Separately, the committee noted staff absence levels within the SSA for the period 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 and the ongoing actions being taken to minimise such absences.

Chief Executive's Performance

The committee noted the Chief Executive's, Mr Paul Martin, account of his performance against his targets for 2018/19. Following this, and after the exclusion of the press and public, the committee considered an exempt annex to the self-assessment and discussed end of year appraisals and proposed Performance-Related Pay awards for Chief Officers. The proposed ratings were approved, and the committee agreed to an assessment on which a Performance-related payment would be made to the Chief Executive.