Human Resources
Posted by Erika on February 13 2008 12:29:54
Several attempts at getting some terms of reference for council to be involved in Human Resouorces were finally turned down.
The motion for a Human Resources Committee had been carried and the proponents of this
committee have been working on the terms of reference. They were
presented to council at the General Meeting Feb. 11, 2008 when the CAO and the other members of council were to review them and add any policies they feel have been left out
It would then come back to the following General Committee on March 17, 2008 for a vote and presented to Council on March 31, 2008 for final adoption.
THE FOLLOWING WERE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE PROPOSED FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
INTRODUCTION:
The Human Resources Committee is intended to bring staff and council closer together. An understanding of who does what, and how many do what will give us more insight into the time and staff available to process our requests. A knowledge of what qualifications our staff have will give us a better understanding of what we can expect from staff and what our limits are in enhancing our services. It should also give us an informed insight into the need of support staff.
The Human Resources Committee should be welcomed by managerial staff as it this sector of staff from any accusations of favouritism or discrimination and possibly the ratepayers from costly litigation by being another means of mediation in case of disagreeable results through any human relations processes.
Where normal procedures have failed, it is essential that employees of the township, alone or together, and without fear of recrimination or reprisal, be able to truthfully approach the Human Resources Committee in total confidence and in writing. A verbal approach may only be presented to the chair, who shall put the issue in writing and have the personell sign to confirm the report to be presented to the Human Resources Committee. Again confidentiality shall be respected.
MANDATE:
The Human Resources Committee shall be an extension to policies now in place.
The Human Resources Committee shall be given written copies of all labour related policies and pertinent information now in place, with the exception of Conduct of Conduct which is a separate issue and has already been presented and voted on by council.
Human Resources Committee is to work with the CAO/Clerk to develop policies dealing with personnel related matters; to assure that all personnel are dealt with fairly and consistently; and all personnel issues result in the best possible solutions; and to promote a fair and competitive process is used to hire, promote or discipline.
An important responsibility of the Human Resources Committee will be to attempt early resolutions and/or redress of workplace problems, disputes, dismissal actions, and discrimination and harassment allegations. The Human Resource Committee will make every reasonable effort to shield the public, the township and its employees from the grief, stress and expense associated with unresolved complaints.
The Human Resources Committee shall report to council and council shall make final decisions.
The Human Resources Committee shall be comprised of 2 councillors, the mayor and the CAO/Clerk. All but the chair will have a vote unless there is a tie, in which case the chair shall vote to break the tie.
The CAO/Clerk shall keep minutes of the meeting, receive agenda items from council, Human Resources Committee members, staff and elsewhere as appropriate and provide a sealed copy to each committee member prior to the meeting. The CAO/Clerk will sequence the agenda.
Three committee members shall represent a quorum.
The Human Resources Committee shall appoint a chair at their first meeting.
The attendance of the township solicitor for advice and opinion may be necessary from time to time. In this case, the matter will be reported to council and a confidential meeting of council shall take place.
Failing resolution through the established chain of command through the supervisor to the CAO, in case of a dispute issue with an employee, the employee and department head involved may state their cases to the Human Resources Committee who will make recommendation on the issue to council.
All matters coming before the Human Resources Committee shall be CONFIDENTIAL. Reports and recommendations shall be prepared by the CAO/Clerk and presented to council as agenda items. Normal procedures regarding confidentiality shall apply in all cases.
The Human Resources Committee shall be informed of any and all personnel matters that may result in loss of pay or benefits, whether through termination or suspension prior to the loss or change have been affected.
The Human Resources Committee shall be made aware, prior to, of any personnel changes such as retiring, appointing, promotions and hiring to assure transparency of the proper competitive process.
Staff shall present the Human Resources Committee with a business case for, and prior to, hiring personnel, even at the entrance level, as it impacts budget.
Meetings of the Human Resources Committee shall fall under Section 9…(Meetings of Special Committees) of the Procedure Bylaw now referred to as Report No. CD04-08.
The Human Resources Committee shall encourage professional development and career path opportunities for staff.
The Human Resources Committee shall ensure due diligence in respect of senior staff appointments and related outside search.
These terms of references shall be open to receive revisions as deemed necessary from time to time. The Terms herein may only be amended by motion of council.
UNFORTUNATELY.....
The Human resources committee was voted in and then defeated when Councillor White became ill andmissed several meetings.
The terms of reference fell to the same fate. Between the CAO and Mayor Bill Duffy
decided that each councillor could present a policy to answer to any request they may have.
That is as good as it will get. ,....for now.....I guess I shall have to work on policies to
fill in for the terms of reference and hope that the majority of council does not think
that staff should dictate to us.