This page will be used to consult with you on changes to HR and Health and Safety policies. We review policies on a scheduled basis and following the consultation where appropriate, these will be referred to the Council's Partnership Forum and then to the Executive for approval.

The following policies are now out for consultation. We would appreciate if you could take some time to complete the surveys and provide feedback. The surveys are open until 22 June 2026.

The changes to the policy are a mixture of legislative changes and updates to policy and practice in line with guidance from the Scottish Public Pensions Agency on the Local Government Pension Scheme application of flexible retirement.

• Updating the increase State Pension Age in line with changes
• Adding some clarity into actions needed by employees
• Updating the position on flexible retirement to align with discretions and:
• Remove the requirement to not be financially better off as this is no longer a requirement in the LGPS
• Confirming any reduction in grade or hours is permanent which has been carried out in practice, but not formally in the policy
• Rewording the position on flexible retirement to confirm that this will normally be considered where there is an advantage or operational interest for the council
• Confirming that early access to pension may be actuarily reduced, rather than will be
• Confirming strain costs relating to flexible retirement will only be paid in employer initiated exceptional circumstances
• Confirming that flexible retirement is a flexible working request and any rejection must be in line with the reasons for declining a flexible working request
• adding in a 'retire and return' option where employees can retire and access their pension and be guaranteed re-employment on a part time basis after a one day break
• confirming that if flexible retirement is approved, there will need to be one days unpaid leave between the old and the new pattern
• Confirming that redundancy is not covered by the restrictions on re-employment
• Adding in further information on notice periods for retirement

Falkirk Council is committed to the responsible, ethical, and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support its business operations, enhance service delivery, and drive innovation. All authorised users must adhere to this Policy to ensure that AI is used in a manner that is legally compliant, transparent, and aligned with Council values and objectives. Compliance with this Policy is mandatory.

This Artificial Intelligence Policy should be read in conjunction with the Council's Acceptable Use Policy. All requirements and responsibilities outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy apply equally to the use of AI systems and tools.

The purpose of this Policy is to define the parameters for the acceptable use of AI within Falkirk Council, ensuring that all AI systems and tools are used to maximise benefits, minimise risks, and protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of Council data and services.

Information security protects all forms of information from threats to reduce risk, ensure business continuity, enable secure information sharing, and safeguard personal data.

For the Council, it is a critical enabler of strategic and operational goals, requiring proportionate and collective risk management embedded in all processes and procedures.

Falkirk Council is committed to ensuring that its Digital and Technology resources are used responsibly, securely, and efficiently to support its business operations. All authorised users of Falkirk Council's Digital and Technology resources must adhere to this Policy to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and systems. Compliance with this Policy is mandatory.

The purpose of this Policy is to define the parameters of acceptable use of Falkirk Council's Digital and Technology resources to protect the integrity, security and availability of data and systems.

The policy has been updated to include guidance on the right to disconnect, and the wording has been revised to ensure consistency and alignment with other relevant policies.

The Council's current Organisational Design Principles were developed in 2018. The principles and management layers outlined within this confirm the agreed Falkirk Council organisational design model for all Service structures.

New structures and structures being reviewed should be designed using these principles. The Council has committed to review these as part of its current workforce plan to ensure that these remain fit for purpose and align with the Council's Target Operating Model (TOM). This includes the aim to have a leaner, flexible and skilled workforce who are equipped to work collaboratively across different structures and organisations to deliver our priorities.