Purpose

To agree the creation and funding of the new
role.

Content

Decision:

1.        To approve the
Head of Paid Service’s proposal to create a new post of Joint
Corporate Health and Safety Manager as set out in this
report.

2.        To delegate
authority to the Monitoring Officer to amend the current
inter-authority agreement between Guildford Borough Council and
Waverley Borough Council to include the new joint role as set out
in this report.
Reason(s):

1.                     
Both
councils have committed to working together to further the
collaboration including the creation of joints posts where this is
demonstrably in the interests of both councils. The council has a
legal and moral responsibility to operate in accordance with the
Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the regulations set
out under this legislation.  The
requirements ensure that as an employer the council operates in a
safe manner, so as not to expose employees, visitors and persons
impacted by council services, to health and safety
risk.  The same responsibility applies
to both councils, however, at Guildford inhouse waste and grounds
maintenance services, and the internal operation of the depot,
require additional health and safety management.  A review of corporate health and safety
arrangements has identified gaps in compliance attributed to a
long-standing vacant post at Waverley, and the recent retirement at
a key post at Guildford.  This presents
an opportunity to exploit efficiencies across both councils and to
share good practice.   

2.          
The recommendations will deliver capacity and capability to enable
health and safety management at all levels of both
organisations.

3.        To respond to
the concerns raised in recent months by staff, service managers and
UNISON representatives in relation to the robustness of health and
safety arrangements for both councils.

4.        This will
deliver the capacity and capability needed to embed successes in
ongoing collaboration efforts and enhance the pace of future
collaboration, transition to shared services and continuous
improvement in service delivery and realisation of cashable and
non-cashable savings.

5.        To create the
framework for the corporate health and safety services function
which will reduce dependency on expensive external resources and
further implement succession planning and career
development.
Other options considered and rejected by the
Executive:
Option 1 - Do nothing, and reappoint to vacant
existing posts in both councils
Details of any conflict of interest declared by
the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation
granted:
None.