The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to request the establishment of a cross party working group consisting of 6 Members of the Committee, to undertake a collaborative risk assessment and to assist in the development of an Elected Member Lone Working Policy.

The report gave some background information, following which it was confirmed that elected Members routinely work alone and as a result of this, may be open to placing themselves in vulnerable positions, for example, through visiting constituents at their home.

Paragraph 4.3 of the report stipulated that undertaking appropriate risk assessments should identify the typical hazards which elected Members may face when working alone, as were exampled in this section of the report.

The Head of Democratic Services confirmed that the cross working party would undertake a collaborative elected Member Lone Working Risk Assessment, and assist in the development of an elected Members Lone Working Policy.

He added that it would be of benefit also, if one of the Members of the group so established had attended the Dealing with Conflict Member Development session in 2013. He further added that a provisional date had been arranged for the first meeting of this Working Group ie 16 November next at 10.00am in these offices.

Following discussion on this item, Members

RESOLVED:                         That the Committee agreed to establish a cross party Working Group comprising of the following Members to undertake a collaborative Risk Assessment and assist in the development of an elected Members Lone Working Policy:-

                                              Councillor J H Tildesley

                                              Councillor M Reeves

                                              Councillor J R McCarthy

                                              Councillor C A Green or Councillor E Venables

                                              Councillor R C Jones

                                              Councillor R M James