Agenda item

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development introduced the report and asked for Members’ questions.

The Chairman referred to page 37 of the report and asked for further information pertaining to the large number of job vacancies which were outstanding within the Planning Department.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that thirteen of the job vacancies had gone live on 3^rd February 2023. He said that the closing date for these vacancies was 3^rd March 2023, but that consideration to   shortlist potential applicants before this date was being given.  

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that measures to help recruit to the Planning vacancies included a Planning banner on the East Herts website, a powerful recruitment campaign video and job adverts appearing on both the Public Sector Today and the South East Times.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that to further aid recruitment and retention twelve of the Planning job vacancies also included market supplements.

The Chairman asked for clarification of market supplements. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that market supplements were additional payments on top of a post’s basic salary which are awarded where market pressures would otherwise prevent the recruitment and retention of staff. He said that market supplements were only be applied to posts where recruitment for the role had already been unsuccessful, and that this was why the Enforcement Officer vacancy did not include such a payment.

Councillor Alder asked if it was correct that those who expressed an interest in the Planning vacancies could arrange to be shown around the Department in person. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the recruitment video on the website did say ‘come and see us’ and so he assumed arrangements for such visits could be made. He reiterated that positive applications could be interviewed prior to the vacancy closing date to avoid losing good candidates.

Councillor Dumont asked if the Grants Officer role was to be recruited to. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the Grants Officer role was currently frozen as part of the Transformation agenda, with the role’s duties moved to another area.

Councillor Dumont referred to page 43 of the report and asked when the census figures used would be updated. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the new figures were released approximately two weeks ago (after the report was written) and would therefore be used in the next report.

Councillor Dumont referred to page 42 of the report and asked how often staff were required to undertake cyber training and if there were any plans to increase the frequency of the training as cyber threats increased. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that cyber training was IT led, but he would make enquires regarding such training.  

Councillor Ruffles referred to page 40 of the report and asked if there was a common cause for staff who were long term absent, and if the council should be doing more. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that such staff were referred to Occupational Health as standard. He said that those suffering from stress were risk assessed and signposted towards specialists with managers made aware.

Councillor Newton asked how the council were able to assess the working environment of those staff who were working from home. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that all such staff had undergone a Display Screen Equipment Assessment (DSE). He said that any specialist   equipment required by staff had been allowed to be taken home by those working in both blended and full time from home patterns.

Councillor Newton asked if any analysis had been done in regard to the stress of working from home. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that 160 responses had been received in response to the Blended Working Review, which showed that most staff wanted to work from home. 

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

RESOLVED – that the Human Resources Management Statistics – Quarter 3, October 2022 – December 2022 be considered and that any comments provided to the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development.