Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on Dorset Council Workforce Data and the People Strategy.

Following a request by the committee at a previous meeting, councillors received a presentation which covered Dorset Council workforce data and the People Strategy.  The committee considered the issues arising from the presentation and during discussion, the following points were raised:

Workforce Data

·                Staff turnover and sickness absence figures were noted

·                10% of posts in the establishment were vacant and it was noted that some vacant posts had been held while restructures were undertaken.  The current tranche 2 was coming to an end

·                A review of recruitment practice had been undertaken

·                The Dorset Council website was the main location for council job vacancies, although it was noticed that a lower level of recruitment was currently taking place

·                As at the end of September 2019, the headcount for Dorset Council was 4669 (3665 Full time equivalents)

·                A discussion was held with regard to sickness levels and in particular the level of long-term sickness and the strategies that were in place to deal with these issues

·                A comment was made with regard to stress related illness and issues around mental health in particular directorates and that there may be a need for a specific piece of Human Resources (HR) work within these directorates

·                An overview of the issues being addressed through the Blueprint for Change consultation was provided including the need for manageable case loads for social workers

·                Levels of staff morale in the council were considered and different views expressed.  The council was looking to procure a system in order to survey staff in a more modern way

·                The council operated a ‘Business Partner’ approach with each service area being allocated a senior HR contact.  Workforce data was also available at directorate level

·                A point was noted with regard to the need for the committee to receive information on a timely basis and particular reference was made to the position in Children’s Services

·                The Executive Director of Corporate Development responded to recognise the position and to reiterate that everything was being done to support Children’s Services through the Blueprint for Change consultation

·                The Chairman noted that he had been contacted by the South West Audit Partnership with regard to the timing for the committee receiving information and inviting any comments from councillors prior to him submitting his response

·                Information from each directorate was included in the presentation and reference was made to ‘knowledge management’ and how information could be retained or transferred with people leaving the council.  Particular reference was made to information from the Business Insight and Corporate Communications area

·                A point was raised as to how Dorset Council held and shared information and it was understood that some work was being undertaken in this area.  It was noted that a councillor workshop on the Dorset Council transformation programmes was being held on 10 January 2020 and it was suggested that councillors attend this session and following this, the committee could give further consideration to whether any further work was required in this area

·                The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44