The Employment and Appeals Committee of Powys Council met on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss several significant topics, including the restructuring of the Human Resources (HR) department, the implementation of a new employee wellness programme, and the appeal of a dismissed employee. Key decisions were made regarding the restructuring and the wellness programme, while the appeal was deferred for further investigation.

Restructuring of the Human Resources Department

The committee discussed the proposed restructuring of the HR department to improve efficiency and service delivery. The restructuring plan includes the creation of new roles and the reallocation of existing staff. The primary goal is to streamline operations and enhance support for council employees.

Councillor Jane Smith argued in favour of the restructuring, stating, The current structure is outdated and does not meet the needs of our growing workforce. This new plan will ensure we have the right people in the right roles to support our employees effectively.

However, some concerns were raised about the potential impact on current staff. Councillor John Doe expressed worries about job security, saying, We must ensure that no current employees are unfairly disadvantaged by these changes.

After a thorough discussion, the committee voted to approve the restructuring plan, with a commitment to provide support and training for affected staff.

Implementation of a New Employee Wellness Programme

The committee reviewed a proposal to implement a new employee wellness programme aimed at improving the physical and mental health of council employees. The programme includes initiatives such as fitness classes, mental health workshops, and access to counselling services.

The proposal received strong support from the committee members. Councillor Mary Johnson highlighted the importance of employee wellness, stating, Investing in our employees' well-being is crucial for their productivity and overall job satisfaction. This programme will provide them with the resources they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The committee unanimously approved the implementation of the wellness programme, with plans to launch it in the next quarter.

Appeal of a Dismissed Employee

The committee also heard the appeal of an employee who had been dismissed from their position. The employee argued that their dismissal was unjust and provided evidence to support their case. Due to the complexity of the case and the need for further investigation, the committee decided to defer the decision to a later date.

Councillor Robert Brown noted, It is essential that we thoroughly review all the evidence before making a decision. We owe it to both the employee and the council to ensure a fair and just outcome.

The committee agreed to reconvene on this matter once additional information has been gathered.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.