Agenda item

Recommendation on page 94

RESOLVED – That –

(1)       The achievements of the Joint Environmental Health Service be noted.

(2)       A final Service Review report, including a detailed 2020-23 Environmental Health Improvement Programme, be presented to Executive, pending conclusion of job evaluation and staff consultation.

(3)       A further report on new ways of working and lessons learned for the Council be presented to Executive by October 2020.

(4)       A business case be developed, in collaboration with ICT, with regard to tools and solutions required to support new ways of working within the Joint Environmental Health Service.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Environmental Health and Licensing which provided an update on the Environmental Health Service, including service improvement interventions and progress with the ongoing service review. The update also reported on business continuity experiences and the role of the Joint Environmental Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and highlighted the potential for new ways of working to contribute to future efficiency and service improvement, reflecting on lessons learned during the lockdown period.

Members recognised the significant improvements made in the Environmental Health Service, and the bringing up to date of outstanding areas of work such as inspections. It was noted that further work was required to sustain levels of performance and to put a permanent workforce in place where there were temporary arrangements at present.

It was discussed that the new ways of working referred to the use of technology and systems/processes. Staff had not been issued with new job descriptions and did not need to reapply for their jobs.

In relation to support for local people during the Coronavirus pandemic, it was queried whether support would continue when the Government’s shielding programme comes to an end. The Leader and the Director of Environment and Enforcement confirmed that the Council would continue to provide support as long as it was needed. It was commented that the Council had always been there to help, and the Leader was mindful of the effect of the pandemic and the lockdown on communities, isolation, and the impact on vulnerable people.

Moved by Councillor Deborah Watson and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – That –

(1)       The achievements of the Joint Environmental Health Service be noted.

(2)       A final Service Review report, including a detailed 2020-23 Environmental Health Improvement Programme, be presented to Executive, pending conclusion of job evaluation and staff consultation.

(3)       A further report on new ways of working and lessons learned for the Council be presented to Executive by October 2020.

(4)       A business case be developed, in collaboration with ICT, with regard to tools and solutions required to support new ways of working within the Joint Environmental Health Service.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The implementation of efficiency and process changes, combined with the use of agency staff and a secondment arrangement from a neighbouring local authority, enabled the Joint Environmental Health Service to complete the 2019/20 Food Safety Inspection programme, clearing the backlog of overdue interventions.

During the COVID-19 crisis the Environmental Health Service adapted to changes in demand and through new ways of working was able to maintain service delivery, protect public health and support business.

A range of interventions and service improvements, along with additional investment in the Service, was essential to secure and maintain acceptable service delivery.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

Maintaining traditional ways of working within Environmental Health and not progressing planned interventions and improvements was rejected as the Joint Service faced challenges with the delivery of statutory services. Experience during the lockdown period had also demonstrated that new ways of working had the potential to contribute to efficiency and service improvement.

The potential risks to public health, the reputational risks arising through external scrutiny and the inability to meet Member expectations through effective environmental enforcement, were such that maintaining the status quo was rejected as an option for consideration.