Issue - meetings

Report CSD24016

At its meeting on 27^th November 2023, the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee had considered a report on the Council’s measures on freedom of speech for employees and contractor staff. Officers had reviewed the legal background to freedom of speech in Article 10 of the Human Rights Act and other legislation and showed how this was reflected in a range of relevant Council policies and procedures, including the Raising Concerns whistleblowing policy, Staff Surgeries, Departmental Representatives and Trade Unions, the Grievance Procedure and Bromley’s values. This Committee was responsible for non-executive HR matters, so the report was referred here for consideration.

Councillor Simon Jeal requested that it be noted in the minutes that, at the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee meeting, he had objected to the Chairman adding text to the officer report.    

RESOLVED that

(1)  The report be noted, including the additional text and recommendations made by Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee.

(2)  It is noted that the Standards Committee will consider how the recommendations should be reflected when reviewing the Council’s Member Code of Conduct.

(3)  It is agreed that officers carry out further work on relevant sections of the Constitution, such as the Member/Officer Protocol and the Officer Employment Rules, and report to Members where additional changes are required.