Readiness of critical/key services
To receive a verbal overview
of issues relating to the readiness of critical/key services.
Members can refer to the information contained within
the Programme Highlight Report (agenda item 5) to assist with discussion on
this item.
Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed officers who attended to respond to members
key lines of enquiry regarding readiness of critical and key services. The Chairman highlighted the following key
lines of enquiry:-
(1)
Clearly there was a risk during a period of significant stress
that all will not go according to best hopes and plans.
(2)
Some services will be more affected than others by staff issues
a.
Which are affected, and maybe have been for some time?
b.
Which are affected by national issues e.g. shortages of staff with
the required skills?
c.
Which services are regarded as “at risk” because of the above?
d.
Are there concerns about competition for staff between the two new
Unitaries?
e.
Are there any emerging signs of increased problems with
recruitment and retention?
f.
Are there any key time periods when they might emerge?
(3)
Apart from personnel are there any other areas which pose a risk
to seamless service delivery?
In response to a question, the Chairman confirmed that these points
of enquiry were circulated to members over the Christmas period. However they were not set in stone, but a
prompt to enable and start a conversation.
The Chairman invited Cllr P Wharf to address the committee as the
Lead of the HR Work stream. Cllr Wharf asked members to be content that the
work stream and highlighted that officers had taken these matters
seriously. He reported on progress of
the process, but could not necessarily share staff structural or functional
details at this time.
In discussions with key officers the following information was
shared or comments were made:-
·
That many staff were doing the day job as well as preparation work
for Day 1
·
The HR work stream was working closely and constructively with
Unions
·
Although this was a challenging time, it was also exciting and
opportune for individuals.
·
In respect of Place; there were difficulties in recruiting
Environmental Health officers, however nationally there were shortages in this
area and this included Building Control, Planning plus some housing posts. This was not an exclusive Day 1 issue, but a
common challenge for many local authorities.
·
There was also a local training programme and a healthy
apprenticeship scheme in place.
·
In respect of People; for Children and Adults, it was expected
that Adult Social Care for Day 1 Dorset would be in a stronger position than
many of the surrounding areas. Vacancies would be at a manageable number.
·
There was a clear transition plan in place for the TUPE
arrangements for staff to transfer to the BCP Council.
·
Dorset and neighbouring councils working were together to ensure
that no employment destabilising took place.
·
In respect of Children services; Dorset was in a better position
compared to other local authorities, in relation to vacancies.
·
Children services would have a stable workforce in place as the
job was attractive, not just financial but offered manageable caseloads
compared to the national average.
· Members recognised that this was an uncertain time and that officers were busy ... view the full minutes text for item 74