Issue - meetings

(Report of the Acting Head of H.R.)

Information report providing details of performance and progress in meeting the actions for delivering the HR Strategy 2004-2007.

The committee received this report to be advised of work HR had been doing to deliver on the HR Strategy in the 2006/07 financial year.  They were also informed of remaining work planned for the 2007/08 financial year.

Members noted that this was the final update of the strategy to be produced, ended as it did in 2007.  Officers updated Members on key ongoing HR issues and initiatives, highlighting the good response in the staff survey and success stories around diversity and the Health for Life programme.  It was noted that a dedicated redeployment officer, appointed six months ago, had successfully engineered a 33% redeployment rate, which had saved the Council an estimated £250,000.

Members raised a number of queries over statistics and strategies laid out in the report.  Members were informed that work was on-going in reducing the amount of time between the advertisement of a position and appointment with a target if reducing it to ten weeks from the current level of twelve.  Directorates were aware of demographic staff shortage issues, with tools such as the graduate scheme being used to address shortfalls in key areas.  In terms of flexible working, it was noted that staff were taking up a variety of flexible working initiatives such as home and mobile working, with new initiatives being currently piloted.

In terms of exit questionnaires, it was noted that rates of return were low, butMembers were assured of the importance of ascertaining the reasons behind 18% of Council employees leaving their positions within one year of being appointed.  Members enquired over the disciplinary and grievance procedure, and were informed that the length of process was closely monitored; the average period of suspension had now been reduced from 156 days to 90.

The committee noted that a policy on stress management was currently being worked on, and a report on its implementation was due to be taken before the Chief Executive’s Management Board in July.  The committee further noted that the Council was working at employing more local people, particularly those from deprived parts of the borough through a variety of initiatives such as that with the College of North East London and targeted social care classes in Northumberland Park.

RESOLVED:

1. That Members of the committee be provided with a breakdown of appraisals completed by pay grade.

2. That Members be provided with information on initiatives encouraging young people in Tottenham to attend university.

3. That the report be noted.