Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was submitted from Councillor J Ranger.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development submitted a report setting out Human Resource information for the period April 2014 to March 2015. 

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development advised that this was the last quarterly return and that the next report would provide end of year results and more detailed HR statistics.  The Head advised that staff turnover was 8.17% against a target of 10% and voluntary leavers was 5.92% against a target of 7%.  She stated that there had been a lot of internal movement around Revenues and Benefits, with 34 internal appointments. 

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that short term sickness per full time equivalent (FTE) was currently 3.18 days against a target of 4.5 days and that current long term sickness overall was 0.81 days.  The current projected long-term sickness absence per FTE was 0.88 days against a target of 2 days.  The Head referred to the Council’s Sickness Absence Policy and the positive impact this was having in managing absences through return to work interviews.  In response to a query from Councillor P Ballam, the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained the process in relation to staff returning to work after a long term sickness.

Updates were provided in relation to Training and Development, Performance Development Reviews (PDRs) and Equalities Monitoring.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development stated that Revenues and Benefits had achieved 100% in terms of reviews and objectives set.  In terms of the rest of the Council, 84.84% of services had had their full-year review and 78.37% their objectives set.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that there was a definite improvement in returns.  She expressed concern in relation to service areas which were still falling short of targets and assured Members that HR was working with directorates on the issue. 

Councillor P Ruffles referred to the pressures within Planning and Building Control and sought assurances that the service was being supported.  He referred to the need to be aware of particular circumstances which might affect why PDRs were not being completed or targets met.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the service was supported and that Revenues and Benefits were equally under pressure.  She acknowledged the recruitment issues in both sections. 

Councillor C Woodward reminded Members that, at an earlier meeting of Human Resources, it was agreed that Line Managers be held to account when services did not achieve the 100% target.  He referred to the four departments not achieving 100%, specifically, Corporate Risk, Planning and Building Control, and Community Services and Environmental Services.  He queried if the timing of the review was a problem given the length of time non-achievement of targets had been going on and that Head of Service should be asked to explain why targets were not being achieved.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that in terms of Corporate Risk, following a re-structure, there was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 606.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Local Joint Panel meeting held on 11 March 2015 be received.

(see also Minutes xxx - xxx)

The Head of HR and Organisational Development submitted a report updating the Job Evaluation Policy General Leave Policy which had been reviewed following feedback gained from the Job Evaluation Panel, Unison and suggestions made via the Here to Help Programme.

The Committee considered and approved the recommendations as amended, made at the Local Joint Panel meeting held on 11 March 2015.

RESOLVED - that the revised Job Evaluation Policy, as now submitted, be approved.

(see also Minute xxx)

The Head of HR and Organisational Development submitted a report updating a number of policies into a Family Friendly Policy which had been revised  to reflect changes in employment law legislation effective from 5 April 2015.

The Committee considered and approved the recommendations made at the Local Joint Panel meeting held on 11 March 2015.

RESOLVED – that the revised Family Friendly Policy, as now submitted, be approved.

(see also Minute xxx)

The Head of HR and Organisational Development submitted a report updating the shared Parental Leave Policy which had been revised following changes to legislation.

The Committee considered and approved the recommendations as amended, made at the Local Joint Panel meeting held on 11 March 2015.

RESOLVED – that the revised Shared Parental Leave Policy, as now submitted, be approved.

(also See Minute xxx)

The Chairman thanked Members and Officers for their support of the human resource process.  On behalf of Members, he wished retiring Councillors Mrs D Hone and N Wilson well.