Agenda item

The Hybrid Working Scheme for Cyngor Gwynedd Staff was adopted.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme

DECISION

The Hybrid Working Scheme for Cyngor Gwynedd Staff was adopted.

DISCUSSION

Members were reminded that there had been a significant change in the nature of the Council's work since the first lockdown on 23 March 2020.  It was noted that trials had been completed over the last 18 months on hybrid working methods.  It was reported that this included two consultations with managers, staff and unions. It was explained that this scheme derived from those trials and consultations. It was believed that the plan reflected the changes to the working arrangement and further strengthened staff safety and well-being duties.

Details were given that the scheme allowed full-time staff to work up to 3 days a week from home, where their posts allowed for hybrid working. It was confirmed that there was a requirement for full-time employees to work a minimum of 2 days a week in the office. It was explained that this promoted regular face-to-face contact for staff and sought to ensure a balance between staff well-being and service continuation.  It was noted that the scheme was not rigid and therefore there was flexibility available for services to vary the working days in the office, to ensure efficiency.

It was noted that the scheme allowed flexibility to work hours in the office on a monthly average basis when required.  It was emphasised that there would be no contractual change deriving from the scheme's arrangements and the office would continue to be identified as the work centre for all employees. It was noted that this allowed employees to work more than 2 days in the office if they wished.

It was emphasised that no member of staff would be able to work in a hybrid manner if they had not completed a self-assessment of their workplace when working from home, and the Council was satisfied with their workplace. It was recognised that the scheme was not relevant for any of the Council’s front-line staff. However, members were reminded that every member of staff was entitled to make an application to revise working hours, when they started and finished work, limiting working days and to make a request to work during school term only if they wished.

Assurance was given that staff who worked from home were very committed and continued to work efficiently.  However, it was recognised that face-to-face interaction between members of staff was invaluable when seeking to give the best possible service to the people of Gwynedd. It was noted that there were requirements within the scheme for staff to work from the office for more than the minimum noted, when a new member of staff commenced within services.  It was emphasised that this would be of assistance for staff to settle in the Council and in their workplace.

It was reported that an impact assessment had been completed for this scheme and it was assured that the scheme would not have an impact on the Council's ability to provide a service through the medium of Welsh as well as English.

It was noted that 15% of officers (approximately 276 members of staff) attended the office full time. It was detailed that this figure had increased as the hybrid arrangement proceeded and staff were welcome to attend full time if they wished.

It was explained that the requirements of the scheme would be fully implemented by 1 April 2024 at the latest.