Issue - meetings

The Shared Senior Human Resources Business Partner introduced the report which gave Human Resources statistics for Quarter 3 of 2025, highlighting the key points, to include:

·            A Council employee headcount of 299 – 269.91 FTE.

·            Staff sickness absence – 721.91 FTE lost – this being made up of 238.69 days short-term, affecting 75 employees, and 474.22 days long term, affecting 17 employees.

·            7 new starters.

·            55 vacancies – with hard to fill roles remaining in Planning and Environmental Health. 

·            9 leavers – with projected annual turnover above target.

·            A focus on mandatory training compliance, with a review of training content underway.

·            Domestic abuse and Prevent training delivered.

·            4 non-reportable accidents, with no RIDDOR incidents.

The Chair thanked the Shared Senior Human Resources Business Partner for the report.

Members noted and showed appreciation for the improved breakdown of the vacancies data within the report (in contrast to the Quarter 2 papers). Clarity was sought regarding e-learning modules for Members, and a request was made for both staff and Member e-learning completion rates data. Members also expressed concerns regarding the ongoing issues with car park related safety responsibilities and the possible vandalism to the roof of Bishops Stortford Town Council.

Members heard that the e-learning platform was being reviewed, and that following comments from the Member Development Group, officers had been made aware of the need for Councillors to receive improved communications and guidance.

Members were told that the issues surrounding car park safety and the possible vandalism to Bishops Stortford Town Council would be picked up by the Director of Place, with progress/ further information reported back to the Committee. They heard that that there had been a positive change in the reporting of incidents, with plans for more regular health and safety updates due to the car park challenges.      

It was moved by Councillor Swainston and seconded by Councillor Willcocks, 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 3 (October- December 2025) be considered and any comments provided to the Human Resources and Organisational Development Adviser regarding the content or formatting of the report.