Issue - meetings

The Human Resources Officer introduced the report, which followed the layout familiar to the Committee and detailed the Human Resources statistics for Quarter 1.

The Chair thanked the Human Resources Officer for the report.

Councillor Deffley asked if the council had a policy or any measures which they used to try and retain staff who resigned.

The Human Resources Officer said that should an employee resign, conversations would be had, and any potential alternative avenues to the person leaving explored. She said that there were plans to launch a programme where those thinking of resigning could speak with Human Resources first, to discuss the reasons as to why they wished to resign and to see if any preventative measures could be taken to avoid the resignation.

Councillor Connolly referred to page 30 of the Health and Safety Committee minutes and noted the six incidents where staff had reported feeling unwell due to poor office air quality (due to high CO2 levels). She asked how these levels were monitored and questioned if the frequency of the monitoring was sufficient. 

The Human Resources Officer said that she would ask the Health and Safety Officer to report back to the Committee on this matter.

Councillor Connolly referred to page 31 of the report and asked who was responsible for matters identified during parking inspections, as these related to serious issues.

The Director for Place said that she appreciated the points made and advised that conversation had been had on these issues today and thus were in hand. She said that the Committee would therefore receive further feedback.

Councillor Conolly said that it was good to note that the matter of idling ice cream vans expelling fumes at Hartham was being addressed, and thanked officers for this.

The Chair referred to air quality monitors and recalled that teachers were given such devices for classrooms.

The Human Resources Officer said that each part of the building had a monitor, which could be viewed at any time.

The Chair asked if Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was adding to the difficulties in recruiting to job vacancies.

The Human Resources Officer said that LGR meant that people were not moving posts between councils, and that this in combination with a shortage of qualified  staff within Planning and Environmental Health had affected recruitment.

The Director for Place said that with regard to Planning vacancies, there was a particular industry shortage of senior staff – as people moved on after training due to the council’s inability to compete with private sector pay.

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

RESOLVED –that the Human Resources Management report for Quarter 1 (April– June 2025) be considered and any comments provided to the HR Adviser regarding the content or formatting of the report.