Issue - meetings

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager introduced the report. He said that due to problems with the old system the report author had experienced some issues with obtaining the required data. He said that solid data would however be available next year using the new recruitment software.

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager said that staff updated their personal details via the Council’s MyView system, which meant that some disabilities were not declared, causing gaps in data. He said that the overall profile of the council’s workforce was predominantly female, at 70%, together with 47% of all staff aged between 50 – 60 years.

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager said that these factors merited consideration on how the council attracted more junior officers and transferred skills and attracted different minority groups. He said that the council was also keen to ‘grow their own’ via professional apprenticeships. 

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager said that the report showed the council was in line with local demographics and would inform decision making going forward.

The Chair said that the work on apprenticeships was encouraging.

Councillor Swainston said that the report was good and clear.

The Chair noted that the proportion of employees with a disability was lower than residents and asked for clarification on self-declaration and under reporting.  

The Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager said that people tended to under declare a disability due to traditional stigmas. He said this was sad as Human Resources where then unable to help employees with occupational health, reasonable adjustments, compassion, and support.

It was moved by Councillor Connolly and seconded by Councillor Swainston, that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Annual Equalities Report 2023/24 be noted; and

(B)   the recommendations set out in the 2024/25 action plan be considered and approved.