South West London CCG Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21

civil partnership; trade union membership; responsibility for dependents or any other condition or requirement which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Staff who have a disability are protected under the Equality Act 2010, as disability is a “protected characteristic”. The CCG makes sure that the requirements and reasonable adjustments necessary for employees with a disability are considered both during each stage of the recruitment process and during employment. Our Sickness Absence Policy confirms that where an employee becomes disabled during their employment, we will make any necessary reasonable adjustments required in accordance with the Equality Act to enable the employee to return and remain at work. The types of adjustments may include adjustments to work base, working hours, redeploying the employee to another suitable position and providing any necessary equipment to assist the employee to perform their role. Pay and personal development The majority of our staff are paid in accordance with the national NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. We have statutory and mandatory training requirements and reporting procedures in place to ensure compliance. This training is provided both in-house and as online e-learning. We have an annual appraisal system to support staff and set personal development plans. Training is available to staff to support personal development and career progression. Staff consultation Employee consultation is covered by an agreed CCG wide change management policy. Freedom to Speak Up Guardian The CCG has a Freedom to Speak up Guardian that staff can contact if they have a workplace issue or concern that they do not wish to bring up with their manager or through other channels. Susan Gibbin, Governing Body Member and Patient and Public Involvement Lay Member, is NHS South West London CCG’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. No issues were raised through with the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian during 2020/21. Trade union facility time reporting requirements Between April 2020 and March 2021, we had two staff trade union representatives. Both are full time members of staff and are supported with reasonable time off within working hours to attend to trade union business as per the CCG’s Partnership Working Agreement. Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21 | 163