Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/127

Contact: Sarah Currell, HR Manager – Business Systems Tel: 07867 467793

Report by Director of Human Resources (CA7).

Quarterly staffing report providing details of key people numbers and analysis of main changes since the previous report.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the report.

Recommendations agreed.

Cabinet considered a report that provided an update on key HR activities during Quarter 3 (1st October – 31st December 2020) along with a refreshed workforce profile and absence data including COVID related absence data.

Councillor Emma Turnbull, Shadow Cabinet Member for Education & Cultural Services welcomed the report and especially the provision of information on protected characteristics such as ethnicity and disability.  She hoped that the growing numbers of agency staff being used reflected the short term pressures of the pandemic and not a longer term preference.

Councillor Turnbull called for the employment of more apprentices by the Council which should provide leadership as a major public sector employer.  It was likely that the business community would have fewer opportunities for apprentices in the wake of the pandemic which risked locking school leavers out of employment opportunities – especially those from disadvantaged areas.  She welcomed the fact that a strategy had been put in place with reports due in late spring/early summer.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat introduced the report which she said showed again how staff had responded to the challenges of the pandemic in working from home where possible and ensuring the continuation of services.  Staff had been provided with whatever equipment was needed to work safely and comfortably from home.  A new Display Screen Equipment self-assessment had been developed and staff were signposted to where assistance was available.

Councillor Heathcoat noted the commitment to an increased focus on apprenticeships in line with the Corporate Plan passed by Council earlier in the month.

Councillor Ian Corkin welcomed the provision on data related to equality, diversity and inclusion.  He looked forward to seeing the first report on ethnicity pay gap, noting that it took time to extract the information from the data systems.

RESOLVED: to note the report.