Agenda item

The Interim Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development submitted a report setting out management statistics for the period 1 January 2018 to 14 March 2018.  The Human Resources Officer summarised the report and highlighted a number of key areas.  She referred to the current head count of 345 which equated to 301.44 full time equivalent posts.  It was noted that the number of vacant posts was 50, which was 45.34 expressed as FTE posts.

Members were advised that turnover for the whole year 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 was 14.9% against a target of 10%.  The current volunteer leavers’ rate for quarter 4 was 1.7% and for the whole year 12.3% against a target of 10%.  A summary of leaver turnover by service was provided.  There were 9 involuntary leavers and involuntary turnover for the period was 0.3% and for the whole year this was 2.5%.  A summary of sickness absence and work related accidents, reportable accidents (none) and equalities monitoring statistics were provided. 

The Human Resources Officer provided a summary of the Learning and Development programme for 2017/18.   It was noted that completed Performance Development Reviews now stood at 82%. 

The Committee Chairman referred to the fact that there were 50 vacant posts and queried how long these had been vacant and whether the roles were needed.  The HR Officer explained that the service was working with Heads of Service to review establishments and give consideration as to whether these roles were needed. 

Councillor M McMullen referred to the high volume of voluntary leavers.  The Human Resources Officer explained that during 2017/18, a number of restructures had taken place and turnover had been high as a result.  However, this had fallen each quarter and currently remained above the target.. 

Councillor S Bull expressed concern at the loss of Planning Officers and queried why they had left and that 21% across the organisation seemed a high figure for those choosing a different career.  The Human Resources Officer explained that as a result of the high turnover, exit interviews were being closely monitored and results were largely positive with no trends having been identified.  Staff were encouraged to complete exit questionnaires and submissions could be made anonymously.  Confirmation was also provided that the Annual Turnover report 2017/18, which would be presented in July 2018, would give more detailed information.  The Chairman suggested that if the high leaving figures continued, a further report be presented to Members.  This was supported.

The Committee Chairman referred to the new General Data Protection Regulations and sought assurances that the Council was “up to speed”.  The Interim Head provided an update and outlined what was proposed in terms of e-learning training platforms for both Officers and Members.  She suggested a proposal to have mandatory training for some roles, e.g., health and safety.  The Committee Chairman suggested that once a list of roles had been identified, the training could be rolled out to Town and Parish Councils. 

Councillor P Boylan was concerned that a number of Town Clerks felt “in the dark” about the forthcoming GDPR and needed training.

It was moved by Councillor S Bull and seconded by Councillor P Boylan, that the Human Resources statistics, as detailed be noted.  Additionally that a further report be presented to Members should the high volume of leavers continues.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED. 

The Committee supported the recommendations now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Human Resource Management Statistics for the period 1 January 2018 to 14 March 2018 as now submitted, be noted; and

(B)   should the high volume of leavers continue, a report be presented to Members for consideration.