Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Change.

Decision

(a)       That the People Strategy and accompanying documentation as set out in Appendix 1, be approved;

(b)       That the equality impact assessment as set out in Appendix 3, be noted;

(c)        That in consultation with the Executive Director Corporate Development, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Change be delegated authority to make changes to the strategy which might occur as a result of the scrutiny process.

At this juncture the Chief Executive left the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder of Corporate Development and Change presented a report setting out the People Strategy which had been created alongside the draft Corporate Plan and draft values.  The Strategy set out the strategic approach to how the council would become an employer of choice, both with current and future employees.

The Portfolio Holder also reported that the Strategy would be presented to a meeting of Audit & Governance Committee for their comments and any proposed amendments would be delegated to the portfolio holder and officers unless they were considered to be significant. 

Members were advised that the Peer Review Team had broadly welcomed the work to date and members noted that the Strategy consisted of five key themes.  Becoming an employer of choice, Developing our people, Engaging our people, Supporting our people, Rewarding and recognising performance and Creating a positive workplace culture. 

A number of employee engagement opportunities had taken place and further communication campaigns would be carried out in the New Year.

Cllr M Hall made a very personal and honest statement relating to mental health issues.  Following which the Portfolio Holder agreed that although the council had taken a number of positive steps in the area, there was more work to do to support and understand mental health issues.  He would welcome Cllr Hall’s input and support in the area.

Decision

(a)       That the People Strategy and accompanying documentation as set out in Appendix 1, be approved;

(b)       That the equality impact assessment as set out in Appendix 3, be noted;

(c)        That in consultation with the Executive Director Corporate Development, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Change be delegated authority to make changes to the strategy which might occur as a result of the scrutiny process.