AN employer supported volunteering policy at Warrington Borough Council, which would allow Town Hall staff time off work to do voluntary work in the community, is being held up because of opposition from Trade Unions.
Talks have taken place between the authority and the unions but the policy has not been implemented because no agreement could be reached.
The main issue was over the provision of up to three day’s release time per year for staff to undertake volunteering activity.
Union bosses were unable to agree to this.
The council’s assistant director, Human Resources, Gareth Hopkins, in a report to the Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee, says: “It is not recommended for a policy such as this to be implemented without Trade Union agreement as this would have a negative impact on the wider consultative arrangements in place between the council and trade unions, which overall are extremely effective.
“Further discussions will take place between officers and trade unions in future over whether an amended policy could be implemented.”
The council’s employer supported volunteering policy was developed by officers from Human Resources and Integrated Commissioning.
It would apply to all council employees who have completed their probationary period with the authority, except for teachers, school-based staff and secondees.
Council volunteers would not be used to replace paid employees nor on any activity that could bring the employee into conflict with council policies or interests.
For instance, volunteering within or linked to the tobacco industry would not be authorised.
Volunteering is seen as giving council employees a greater understanding of a wide range of services the council offer the community and an opportunity to develop their knowledge of services offered by the voluntary sector.
It would also provide an opportunity to develop and learn new skills and an opportunity to “do something different and make a difference.”
Town Hall volunteering scheme held up by unions
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