Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 January 2020.

 The minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2020 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The report informs Councillors of the steps the council has taken to support the organisation to return to work.

Councillors were updated on the steps taken to support the organisation to return to work. The Return to Work group had been set up during May 2020 and had met weekly since. It was confirmed that EIAs and risk assessments were being undertaken by Heads of Service.

Some services had been suspended as they involved face to face meetings. These included CAT meetings and school visits a wellbeing Questionnaire had been circulated to all employees. Most continued to work from home and would continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The Committee expressed its thanks to the workforce for the work they are doing.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Plans for the support services areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

The Committee was updated on the progress made in achieving the Human Resources Key Tasks within the Resources Business Plans and the current Key Performance Indicators for 2019/20. Progress was being made with staff diversity and short-term sickness but more work was needed with long-term sickness. There had been a decline in staff declaring a disability in the workforce. It was confirmed that candidates for jobs were blind screened.

To update the Committee on the results of the Employee Survey which was ran in early 2020.

The Employee Survey ran in early 2020. The survey was fully supported by both Trade Unions. 214 employees had responded to the survey which represented 44% of the workforce. Some of the actions had been delayed due to Covid 19, GMT meeting at the Depot, for instance. The Council Peer Review had also had to be postponed.

Employees were largely aware of the Council’s values and were generally satisfied. Managing change was highlighted as an area for improvement.

To seek approval for a proposed Organisational Development Strategy for the authority.

A report from the Chief Executive was brought to the Personnel Committee at the end of 2019 on the need for the development of the HR function into the area of Organisational Development. The proposed Strategy focussed on improving the engagement of the workforce and harnessing efforts to corporate goals. The aim was to recruit, develop and retain a highly skilled, flexible and motivated workforce. It would be a live document with updates to this Committee.

To seek approval for the implementation of a new Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (SCAVC’s) pension scheme in partnership with AVC Wise.

This item was deferred.

To request the creation of an established permanent HR Officer role and request the transfer of the existing HR Apprentice to that role.

The Committee considered the request to create an established permanent HR Officer role and the request to the transfer the existing HR Apprentice to that role.

It was noted that by creating this role it would enable greater business continuity for the Council.

To consider items inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved, subject to the inclusion of AVC Wise and Management of Long and Short-term Sickness.