Open Council Network - Aberdeen City - Staff Governance Committee

AI Generated

Summary

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The Staff Governance Committee of Aberdeen City Council met on Monday 24 August 2026, approving a reviewed Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement Policy and noting updates on corporate health and safety and workforce delivery. The committee also resolved to include a comparison of incident numbers from the previous year in future health and safety reports.

Corporate Health & Safety Quarterly Update

The committee received an update on health and safety performance for April to June 2026. The report indicated that 662 incidents were reported across Aberdeen City Council during this period, with the majority occurring within the Families and Communities Cluster. While incident levels remain high, they have stabilised following an increase in the previous year. The committee resolved that officers would review future reports to include a comparison of incident numbers with the corresponding period of the previous year.

Workforce Delivery – Progress Update

A report was presented detailing progress against the Workforce Delivery Plan 2023. The plan, which supports the council's workforce strategy, has seen significant progress across five key levers: Right Structures, Right People, Right Skills, Right Place, and Right Support. The committee noted that hybrid working arrangements are now embedded, and foundational elements for other levers are largely in place. In response to queries about the impact of hybrid working, the Chief Officer – People and Citizens Services confirmed that an evaluation of the Flexible Working Policy is underway, with outcomes to be presented to the committee in due course.

Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement Policy Review

The committee approved the reviewed Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement Policy and noted the accompanying procedure and guidance. The updated policy separates the policy from the more detailed procedure and guidance, aiming to make it easier to navigate. The review, which involved engagement with internal stakeholders including People Services, Business Services, Finance, and Trade Unions, ensures strengthened process and governance arrangements. The policy provides a framework for considering voluntary release of employees where it supports organisational objectives, workforce planning, and service needs, while adhering to relevant statutory, pension, and employment law requirements.

Delegated decisions linked to this meeting

Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.

Minute of Previous Meeting of 29 June 2026 - for approval
For Determination

The Staff Governance Committee approved the minute as a correct record on 24/08/2026. The committee resolved to approve the Menopause and Menstrual Health Policy with an implementation date of 1 August 2026. Officers will incorporate suggestions including references to premature menopause, support links, and the impact of other life events on employees.
Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements
For Determination

Staff Governance Committee decided for determination on 24/08/2026. These will be detailed in the minute.
Committee Business Planner
For Determination

The Aberdeen City Council Staff Governance Committee decided to note the business planner on 24/08/2026. The business planner details reports instructed by the committee and those expected to be submitted by functions for the calendar year.
Workforce Delivery – Progress Update - CORS/26/171
For Determination

The Staff Governance Committee noted progress on the Workforce Delivery Plan 2023 and areas for the next phase of delivery on 24 August 2026. The Chief Officer – People and Citizens Services confirmed an evaluation of the Flexible Working Policy is underway. Officers are undertaking an evaluation of the Flexible Working Policy and will present the outcome to Committee.
Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement Policy Review - CORS/26/170
For Determination

The Staff Governance Committee approved the reviewed Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement Policy and noted the accompanying procedure and guidance on 24 August 2026. The policy separates the principles from the detailed operational steps for easier navigation. This includes clearer approval routes, roles, responsibilities, and financial assessment processes.
Corporate Health & Safety Quarterly Update - CORS/26/172
For Determination

The Staff Governance Committee noted the health and safety performance information for April to June 2026. They also noted assurance on incident reporting, statutory reporting, compliance monitoring, fire risk assessment activity, and action tracking arrangements. Officers will review future reports to include a comparison of incident numbers from the corresponding period of the previous year.