Agenda item

The Head of People and Organisational Services submitted a report updating Members on the quarterly performance of a number of people management issues.  These were set out in Essential Reference Paper “B” attached to the report now submitted.  She explained that a more detailed report would be presented to Members on 13 July 2011.

Updates were provide in relation to:-

·        Resourcing;

·        Learning and Development

·        Policies

·        Equalities and Diversity

·        C3W Delivery

·        Cycle to Work Scheme

The Chairman referred to the issue of car parking and whether those matters relating to staff remaining at Bishop’s Stortford could also be addressed.  He referred to the “Pool Car” arrangement in operation at the County Council.  The Head of People and Organisational Services explained that these matters would be considered by the “Green Policy Group”.  She said that she would discuss the car sharing initiative with the Environmental co-ordinator. 

In response to a query from Councillor P Ballam regarding the Cycle to Work Scheme, the Head of People and Organisational Services provided an explanation of how the Government supported scheme worked and the Council’s role.

Councillor P Ruffles referred to Equalities and Diversity initiatives and stated that there were problems in East Hertfordshire in relation to loneliness and isolation and how these issues were difficult to address when there was no community to help.  He referred to the established Polish and Portuguese communities in the area.  He questioned what could be done to communicate with these groups.  The Chairman referred to the useful information contained in Ward Profiles.  He acknowledged that there were issues around rural isolation, but felt that these were centred around transport and of the difficulties this might cause in relation to accessing jobs.  The Chief Executive explained that the Council worked via the CVS (Community Voluntary Service) and a range of groups to address issues including isolation and on areas of specific concern. 

Councillor J Ranger was concerned about the return rate of performance reviews (73%) and the objectives set (67%) adding that this figure should be in the 90s.  The Head of People and Organisational Services explained that in 2009/10, this figure had been in the 90s, but had dipped last year adding that this was around the time of the review of the Terms and Conditions.  The HR team continued to push managers for this information.  Councillor J Ranger stated that staff should see the value in the PDR process and be proactive in its application and manage themselves.  He suggested that if staff should see the benefit of the process supported by a demanding culture, then this might create a change in mindset. 

Councillor N Wilson queried whether this low return was attributable to a lack of motivation in the public sector.  The Chairman referred to the Revenues and Benefits return of PDRS which stood at 94.7%.  The Head of People and Organisational Services stated that Officers were endeavouring to embed this view within policies and the culture.  She explained that there were staff who insisted that that PDR meetings be arranged and valued the time to air their views. HR staff would continue to push and highlight the benefits of the process.  It was acknowledged that PDRs were not just about the positives, but that sometimes there were negative issues about performance which might need to be discussed and which might necessitate further training for managers in handling such issues.

The Chairman referred to the issue of resourcing, the Future Jobs Fund and the use of apprenticeships within the Council.  He queried whether progress had been made in asking external contractors to use apprentices.  The Head of People and Organisational Services undertook to provide further information on the Future Jobs Fund separately.  She explained that the Council was using apprenticeships, one such apprentice from Hertford College had been offered a permanent post recently.  She undertook to seek further information from the Head of Environmental Services regarding their use by external contractors.

Members received the report.

 RESOLVED – that the report be noted.