The Staffing Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is scheduled to meet on Monday 9 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of HR policies, an update on employee engagement initiatives, and a discussion on workforce capacity and capability.

HR Policy Update

The committee is scheduled to review and approve an update to the HR Policy. This update specifically addresses the Probation Policy, which has been revised to align with legal changes introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025. A key proposed change is the removal of the provision for extending probation periods to comply with the new legislation. The report pack indicates that reviews are proposed to be introduced at Month 1, Month 3, and Month 5, replacing previous reviews at week 13 and week 26. The policy also states that Any dismissal including notice must take effect within the six months' probation period.¹ The Employment Rights Act 2025, introduced to reform employment protections, reduces the qualifying period for claiming unfair dismissal from two years to six months from 1 January 2027.

People Plan Refresh

A report is scheduled to be presented to the committee updating them on employee engagement initiatives, specifically The People Plan. The committee is expected to note the achievements of the People Plan 2024-2026 and to note the revised People Plan for 2026-2029. The previous People Plan, introduced in 2024, focused on employee engagement activities to support the employee lifecycle. The revised plan for 2026-2029 will concentrate on workforce planning, developing a skills matrix, succession planning, and leadership development. These areas are highlighted as crucial for the Authority's future applications and its role as a Strategic Mayoral Combined Authority. The report pack details achievements such as supporting recruitment campaigns, professional qualifications, and streamlining appraisals under the previous plan, alongside developing a wellbeing strategy and holding employee awards.

Rewiring the State: Capacity and Capability

The committee is scheduled to receive a verbal update on Rewiring the State: Capacity and Capability. This topic is likely to address the organisation's ability to meet its current and future operational needs and strategic objectives.