PRECORD OF URGENT DECISION  TAKEN BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
SUBJECT:	Holding a Physical or Hybrid meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee
CONTACT OFFICER:	Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis Ext 1500
REASONS FOR URGENCY AND WHY NOT PRACTICABLE TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING OR URGENCY SUB-COMMITTEE: · The hearing of the collective grievance relating to the Royal Pavilion & Museums is scheduled to take place on 28 September 2019 · There are issues regarding the ability of some of those expected to attend being able to participate in the meeting virtually and not to provide a suitable alternative would be a breach of the Council’s duty under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments. · A telephone conference would not be a suitable replacement for a Panel meeting. · Under the arrangements as they stand, the holding of a physical meeting has to be authorized by the Policy & Resources Committee. · Given the need to get this resolved in time for the expected date of the meeting, a decision could not wait until the next meeting of the Committee and it would not be proportionate to hold a special meeting of the Committee or an urgency sub-committee; · The Leader and Opposition Spokespersons were consulted. · This is a one-off decision and does not involve a change of policy. Any subsequent requests have to be dealt with on their merit. DETAILS AND OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION WITH THE CHAIR/DEPUTY CHAIR OF RELEVANT COMMITTEE AND OPPOSITION SPOKES: · Councillors McCafferty, Platts and Bell were consulted and all supported the holding of a physical meeting but with a facility for others to attend remotely if they so wish (hybrid meeting.)
THE DECISION It was decided to hold the meeting as a hybrid meeting on a one-off basis. DETAILS OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: We could have insisted on the normal virtual meeting, but that would not have been consistent with the Council’s obligation under equalities law to make reasonable adjustments. There was a possibility of holding the meeting by telephone conference, but that would not be appropriate for a formal committee/sub-committee meeting. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: The relevant Coronavirus Regulations allow the Council to have Committee meetings where the attendance is of fewer than 6 personas or the “gathering” is reasonably necessary. Lawyer Consulted: Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis   Date: 21 September 2020 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial  implications arising from this proposal Finance Office Consulted: <name>       Date: <name>
DATE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING TO WHICH THE DECISION WILL BE REPORTED:
8^th October 2020
Date	25 September 2010
Signed	Chief executive
Logged by Democratic Services Officer for Annual Report	Date: