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V28-454 : PANEL GUIDELINES

The report of the Corporate Director (Corporate Resources and Policy) included the draft guidelines for the Panel compiled by the Chairman. The Panel considered the guidelines and the responses received from the Chairmen of the Policy Panels and the Leaders of the political parties.

The Chairman felt the guidelines provided a good starting point for the Panel, from which they could be `fleshed out' as time progressed. He asked members to note that the latter sections were in the form of questions, which the Panel would be able to provide answers to as they progressed.

Members asked if guideline 1(x) would cover grievance and alerting the Panel to situations. The Head of Personnel felt that grievance was covered by the adopted procedure and the role of the Listeners Network. The Corporate Director (Corporate Resources and Policy) felt the role of the Panel was to ensure that the adopted policy on grievance matters was followed, not the consideration of individual cases. The Panel agreed that alerting to situations was covered by the Procedures presented in guideline 2. The Vice-Chairman asked if the Panel's other role as a Standards Panel would also address the latter. The Chief Executive reminded him that the Standard's role was as regards Councillors, not staff. The Chairman added that the guidelines for that factor would be addressed at a later date.

The Panel suggested minor revisions to guidelines 5(ii), 6(iv) and 7(i) and a new guideline 7(viii). The revised guidelines form the Appendix to the minutes.

As part of this item, the remaining questions from the report on the I&DeA seminar on the Scrutiny role presented to the last meeting were answered:

(i) Should Scrutiny Panel have power to call in Executive decisions?
This would be answered by the ongoing review of Standing Orders.
(iii) Should the Panel co-opt? If yes, who?
This was addressed at Section 5 of the guidelines.
(v) Does the Panel want training in deliberative skills?
Yes, the Head of Personnel would add this to the members' list.

RESOLVED

That the guidelines for the Scrutiny Panel, as included at the Appendix to these minutes, be adopted.


Volume 28 Minute 454

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