Issue - meetings

The Interim Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development provided a summary of the report.  She referred to the inclusion of a statement on payslips regarding countering fraud and the additional payroll exercise which had been carried out in relation to election payments.  The Interim Head referred to the excellent service provided by payroll which provided 100% accuracy which, she said, was not always the case in many organisations. 

In relation to health and safety, the Interim Head thanked those who had contributed to the cost of two defibrillators.  The Interim Head provided an update in relation to:

·       General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) – HR was now fully compliant;

·       Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – of ongoing work with Hertfordshire County Council;

·       Gender Pay Gap Report 2018;

·       Recruitment – and posts which had been filled in relation to the Head of HR, an Executive Assistant and two Service Managers in Planning; 

·       Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) – 22 people had attended training to become Mental Health First Aiders and the scheme was being launched across the Council in February;

·       Flu vaccinations – that 73 staff had been vaccinated which wasapproximately one-fifth of the workforce;

·       Attendance at Which? Careers fair

The Committee Chairman sought and was provided with clarification regarding the support mechanism for mental health first aiders.  Councillor S Bull supported the ongoing work to support Mental Health initiatives.  The initiative had been welcomed by Staff.  On the issue of flu vaccinations, the Committee Chairman felt that a 20% turnout could be improved upon.  The Interim Head of HR explained that this was the first year of this initiative and explained how the process had been set up across the authority and what sessions had been made available to staff.  It was hoped that the initiative would be repeated next year, with a greater number of staff participation.

The Interim Head explained the ongoing work to improve the Council’s advertising of vacancies and raise the Council’s online profile to attract the best candidates for the roles. 

Councillor R Cheswright commented that it would be useful to have more regular information about leavers and new starters.  The Democratic Services Officer undertook to raise the issue with Communications.

Councillor S Cousins thanked the Interim Head for the positive action taken to address recruitment. 

It was proposed by Councillor S Cousins and seconded by Councillor M Stevenson, that the report, as detailed, be received.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the update report be received; and

(B)   the Head of Communications, Policy and Strategy be asked to review how information about leavers and new starters could be communicated to Members on a regular basis.