Municipality of Cumberland approves new personnel policy
Cumberland Municipal Council has approved a new personnel policy.
It also repealed the former personnel policy, the workplace clothing policy, the sexual harassment policy and the drugs and alcohol in the workplace policy. These policies are now included in the new personnel policy.
Council passed the motion during a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
The municipality’s existing personnel policy was approved in 2019.
As a good practice, an extensive review of the policy was completed to ensure its employment policies and practices are current and support employees in our workplace.
Upon review, it was determined that gaps existed, clarity was needed in certain sections, and employment practices and legislation have evolved since 2019.
The purpose of the personnel policy is to document the personnel practices and policies of the municipality and to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the terms, conditions and requirements governing employment with the Municipality. It also consolidates several existing policies into one document.
Cox & Palmer were retained to do an initial review of the personnel policy, to provide updated
language and legislative requirements within the document, and to tackle new policy areas.
New or significantly enhanced policy areas include sections addressing confidentiality, attendance
management, respectful workplace behaviour, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and accommodation, equity and accessibility.
Municipal council approves amended social media policy
Cumberland Municipal Council has approved an amended social media policy that clarifies the appropriate use and management of social media by employees, council members, volunteers and representatives on committees of council.
The policy direction to those managing and administering corporate social media sites; and protects the municipality’s reputation.
The social media policy was originally approved in 2016.
Council approves amended video surveillance policy
Council has approved an amended video surveillance policy.
The purpose of the policy is to ensure the appropriate use of the municipality’s video surveillance system, and the recordings or images collected by it.
This policy applies to any video surveillance system operated by or for the municipality that
collects personal information in any form.
The Video Surveillance Policy was originally approved in 2008. Since then, municipal
facilities have grown significantly, particularly with the dissolution of the former towns of
Parrsboro and Springhill. Subsequently, the municipality’s video surveillance system has expanded.
Council approves terms of reference, membership in Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee
Council has approved the amended terms of reference for the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee.
The Dismantling Racism and Hate Act requires prescribed public bodies, including municipalities, to develop and implement plans to support the goals of the legislation.
The Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee’s main role is to advise council on identifying, preventing, and eliminating discrimination (based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation) in Municipal services.
Council has also approved the appointment of Tammy Drew, Rachel Smith, Richie Wilcox, Michelle Parsons and Jane Grady to the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee.
