Meeting Agenda:

1 To receive apologies for absence

2 Declarations of interest or predetermination

The disclosure must include the nature of the interest. If an interest becomes apparent to a member during the course of a meeting that has not been disclosed under this item, the member must immediately disclose it.

3 To receive, approve and sign the minutes of the Personnel Meeting held on 7 November 2025 (pages 2023-112/1-7).

4 Matters arising not covered elsewhere

Updates below following meeting papers in November which reported:

Appraisals: These were completed over January and February (agenda item 9.1).

Annual contract HR and H&S services: Worknest 3 of the agreement, ends in 2027, committee will be asked to review and consider other options. This is noted as a reminder.

Polices: Recommendation for new polices (and also expected as part of the Quality Council: 

• Harassment at work - is included in the Staff Handbook, but a Sexual Harassment policy is presented agenda item 6.6.1.
• Menopause - a Menopause Policy is included in the Staff Handbook, which I believe is sufficient but is present under agenda item 6.6.2.
• Training and Personal Development - agenda item 6.6.3.

Training records: All staff have been issued with new electronic forms to record training from 2025 onwards, with forms held in central folder in SharePoint Council files.

Principles of Internal Auditing Local Councils (PIALC): The Town Clerk started this is February, aiming to complete by end of February.

Worknest: uploading employee records to the HR platform remains outstanding.

5 Budget 2025-26 update

5.1 Kent Pension Scheme - Employer Pension Contribution Rate – 2026–29

6 To discuss Personnel matters

6.1 To receive update on staff attendance/absence for 2025/26

6.2 Grounds Apprenticeship update

6.3 Medical Insurance Renewal 2026–27

6.4 Paternity Leave Policy – review, and to not upcoming Paternity Leave

6.5 Annual Leave and Time Owed – year end position

6.6 Policies: To receive and recommend to adoption

6.6.1 Sexual Harassment policy

6.6.2 Menopause Policy - to review section 6.2 Staff Handbook

6.6.3 Training and Development Policy

6.6.4 Paternity pay policy - to consider amendment

7 To receive an update on other staff matters

7.1 To note: The Groundstaff annual medicals in March

7.2 Community Warden Role – review of hours and future provision

7.3 Head Groundsman & Buildings Manager – proposed title change

8 To receive an update on office hours, visitors to office and staffing hours

9 Staff salaries

9.1 Appraisals, and confirmation of annual pay increments

9.2 To consider the Clerk's LC pay scale review