Issue - meetings

This paper deals with a possible review of the Medpay Scheme.

Discussion:

Members considered a report regarding a review of the Medpay Scheme, following initial discussion on the report at the Joint Consultative Committee earlier in the evening.

The report stated that a scoping paper had been presented to the Committee in January 2019 which proposed an independent review of the Medpay Scheme. However, the Committee decided not to proceed at that time. Following a further discussion in June 2019 the Committee wanted to look again at whether the scheme should be independently reviewed in order that Members could satisfy themselves it was robust and delivering its objectives fairly.

Members raised a number of questions and comments, which included:

Employee Engagement Survey – it was noted from the results of the Employee Engagement survey that staff were asking for a review of Medpay, therefore, it was important that such a review should be undertaken.

Recruitment – whether there was a risk around recruitment, for example, the recruitment of social care staff. The Head of HR stated that whilst there was not a specific risk about the recruitment of social care staff, given that the Council could pay a market premium for such staff, there was a potential issue around the retention of social care staff, once in post.

Good practice – the proposed review of Medpay would reflect best practice to ensure that policies were kept under review and would ensure that the policy would remain fit for purpose.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to:

a)     delegate to the Head of HR the authority to finalise the scope of the review and appoint an independent provider to carry out the review, following consultation with the Chairman of the Committee and the Opposition Spokesperson, and

b)     recommend to Cabinet that funding for the review be identified as part of the 2020/21 budget setting process.