The Head of People has submitted a report to Council to approve the Working Overseas Policy and Procedure.

Council is recommended to:

1.    Approvethe implementation of the Working Overseas Policy and Procedure.

Council resolved to:

1.    Agree to review the policy and to be bring a revised Working Overseas Policy and Procedure back to Council in November 2025.

The Head of People had submitted a report to Council to approve the Working Overseas Policy and Procedure.

Councillor Chapman presented the report. He said that this policy was the first of its kind for the Council and that data protection issues were at the centre of the policy. He noted the specific steps the policy proscribed for members and officers to work abroad and the countries which had been noted as dangerous to work in. Councillor Chapman proposed the report, and it was seconded by Councillor Munkonge.

Councillor Smowton questioned how the policy would benefit the cyber security of the Council. In response, the Deputy Chief Executive – Citizen and City Services said that they were happy to review the policy as they go and integrate learnings. He noted that the policy was also one measure, amongst several others being implemented for their cyber security.

Councillor Turner asked about the scale of liabilities which members could have to pay. The Deputy Chief Executive – Citizen and City Services responded that in terms of ICO, he could not provide an answer regarding the scale of liabilities.

Councillor Djafari-Marbini asked about the delays that the policy could cause in members’ ability to respond to members of the public.

Council discussed the challenges that could be caused by the policy and how this could impact their work.

Council resolved not to:

1. Approvethe implementation of the Working Overseas Policy and Procedure.

Following debate of the policy, Councillor Chapman said that they would bring a revised policy back to the Council in November and proposed this to Council. This was seconded by Councillor Munkonge.

Council resolved to:

1.    Agreed to review the policy and to bring a revised Working Overseas Policy and Procedure back to Council in November.

Councillor Corais arrived at the meeting during this item at 17:31.

Councillor Yeatman arrived during this item at 17:44.