To receive a presentation from the Contractor on the Waste Collection, Recycling, Street and Beach Cleaning and Associated Services Contract.

The Senior Business Manager led Members through Biffa’s presentation which provided an update on the Waste Collection, Recycling, Street and Beach Cleaning and Associated Services Contract.  During the presentation the following points were noted:

·         Health and Safety: This was a primary focus for Biffa.  During the period October 2020 to November 2020, 629 near misses and hazards (concerns reported by employees), as well as four personal injuries were reported.  Out of 15,433 staff working days, the accident rate equated to 0.03%.  The following safety improvements had been applied (year to date): launched safer together initiative; increased CCTV monitoring; accident and vehicle accident investigations completed within six days; safety improvement meetings held; increased depot based trainer pool; revised driver induction process; continuous review of COVID-19 secure measures;  security devices installed in 13 collection vehicles; and promotion of relevant incidents to Operation Crackdown.

·         HR Update: As of November 2020, there were 12 (seven LGV drivers and five Loader/Operatives) full-time vacant positions.  Average staff turn-over from October to November 2020 was 1.5%, a decrease of 1% since the last meeting.

·         Since the last meeting, no amendments had been made to the Organisation Chart.

·         Overall collection and street cleansing performance had improved across the Partnership; monitoring would be ongoing.

·         High Speed Road Maintenance Programme (in consultation with the Highway Authority) had been established and was being successfully executed across the Partnership.

·         Container Deliveries: In October and November 98% and 85% respectively of container deliveries had been completed within the Service Level Agreement (100% in August and September); the results were attributed to a change of supplier and delivery issues.

·         COVID-19: Between October and November 2020, 89 working days had been lost as a result of absence relating to the Coronavirus which had caused an impact on service performance.  Remedial key actions included increased communication, personal protection equipment and cleansing regimes; improved signage; introduced COVID-19 Secure Officer; daily absence monitoring; and installation of Perspex screens.  It was noted that one employee had tested positive (contracted by co-habitant); the employee was required to self-isolate in-line with Close Contact protocol.  Members were advised that no employees had contracted COVID-19 through the Biffa workforce.

·         Culture Change – Investment: Depot improvements had commenced at Bellbrook.  COVID-19 secure inspections completed, and employee of the month nominations and awards issued.  Employee enrolment to the downloadable Biffa Group App, known as Biffa Beat was ongoing.  One member of the Management Team was currently on maternity leave; their role was being covered by a temporary appointment.

·         Contractual Updates: It was confirmed that actions had and were being commenced within the Annual Improvement Plan e.g. recycling stickers had been issued to residents and that investigations regarding alternative rubbish containment and management solutions at Camber Sands were still on-going etc.

·         2021 Preparing the Future: Biffa recognised future challenges faced by the Partnership and would be focusing on the following considerations namely the Environment Bill; 65% recycling target; separate weekly food waste collections; and national and local carbon footprint commitments.

At the conclusion of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24