Agenda and draft minutes

The Panel was asked to elect a Chair for the duration of the meeting.

RESOLVED that Councillor Byrne be elected Chair of the Panel for the duration of the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence received.

There were no items of urgent business received.

There were no declarations of interest received.

RESOLVED that the Appeals procedure be noted.

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they contain exempt information under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, and it would not, on balance, be in the public interest to disclose the reports.

RESOLVED that, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they contain exempt information under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, and it would not, on balance, be in the public interest to disclose the reports.

The Chair of the Panel ensured that both parties were aware of the Appeals Procedure.

A Human Resources Business Partner, who had taken no part in the original decision, was in attendance to advise the Panel on matters of policy and procedures.

The Appellant, supported by the Trade Union Representative presented her case. The Appellant called no witnesses.

The Dismissing Officer supported by the Human Resources Advisor presented the case on behalf of the Authority. The Dismissing Officer called no witnesses.

The Panel asked questions of both parties and both parties asked questions of each other.

Both parties were given the opportunity to summarise their case.

Having clarified all points, the parties were given permission to leave and were informed that they would be notified of the decision in writing within five working days of the close of the meeting.

Having considered all the information presented by the Appellant and the Dismissing Officer, the Panel decided to uphold the appeal and requested that the Appellant be reinstated to her substantive post.

RESOLVED that the appeal be UPHELD and the Appellant be reinstated to her substantive post.

The Panel also recommended that the Appellant be reverted back to Stage 2 of the Improving Attendance procedure, but with Stage 1 triggers as a reasonable adjustment.