At Staff Hub last week we discussed a range of topics:

Health and Safety – Staff Hub have a role as the H&S committee for the Council.  Last week we noted the changes to the Protection Against Violence at Work Policy and the update to the DSE procedure to incorporate the new Hybrid Working Policy.  Look out for the updated versions which will be published on Molly later this week. We also noted that following an increase in accidents over the last 12 months a new procedure for general inspections of our parks and carparks has been introduced.

Hybrid Working  – We have received feedback from lots of staff that coming back to work in the office on a regular basis has been easier than expected and socialising with colleagues again is good for our mental health.  There does seem to be a lack of clarity on the level of flexibility though, so we would encourage staff to speak to your manager if there is anything you are unsure of.  Please, please don’t forget the rules around mask wearing when you are away from your desk – this really provides confidence to colleagues who are still feeling nervous about coming back to the office that it is a safe place to be.  The same goes for taking your twice weekly lateral flow tests – if you know you haven’t got Covid you can’t give it to anyone else!!

Christmas – we know it is only November but following the success of the recent staff social event we are hoping to be able to find a safe way to celebrate Christmas together this year – watch this space for further updates closer to the time.

– Staff Hub