Decision details

The Committee was presented with the draft Vicarious Liability policy and it was explained that there may be some circumstances where an employer may be held accountable for the acts and/or omissions of those associated with the organisation. In the case of HBBC, this could include actions of employees, contractors or councillors. The introduction of a policy was intended to help protect the council from potential claims by putting a policy and expected standards of behaviour in place.

It was noted that a training package was being put together for officers which would cover the Vicarious Liability, Whistle blowing and Social Media policies. Following discussion, it was suggested that awareness also needed to be raised amongst members and that joint training with officers should be considered.

It was agreed that the request for training would be raised at the Member Development Steering Group to consider as part of the 2014/15 training programme and for the 2015 member induction.

On the motion of Councillor Moore, seconded by Councillor Witherford, it was

RESOLVED – the Vicarious Liability policy be approved.