Issue - meetings

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development submitted the Equality and Diversity Annual Report for 2015/16. The HR Officer provided a summary of the report, as now detailed.  The report provided a detailed analysis of monitoring data within six key areas:

·        Recruitment

·        Employee profile

·        Performance Management (PDR ratings)

·        Discipline and Grievance

·        Training Course participants

·        Leavers

The HR Officer explained that the report had been submitted to the Leadership Team which had asked that the Equalities Monitoring Form be amended to include information regarding sexual orientation.  Councillor P Ballam queried the need to do this, given the sensitivity of the information. The HR Officer explained that this information was confidential and that the Equalities Monitoring Form was kept separate from the application.

Councillor P Ruffles hoped that when interviewing, HR was prepared to look beyond qualifications to establish whether an applicant was capable and had the right experience to undertake a role.  The HR Officer explained the Council’s position and what steps the Council was able to take in furthering careers including an approach to “grow your own”.  The Chairman commented that he was confident that HR was doing all it could in terms of staff improvement.

Councillor M Stevenson hoped that HR was getting the support it needed in terms of disability advice in relation to job applications.  In response to a query regarding people with disabilities, the HR Officer explained how, through working patterns and adjustments to equipment, disability needs could be addressed.

The Committee noted the report and approved the recommendations (numbers 1 - 15), as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the report.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Equality and Diversity Annual Report for 2015/16 be noted; and

(B)   the recommendations as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the report be approved.