Agenda item

Report of the Interim Assistant Director Human Resources – To consider proposals for a number of entry level schemes and an apprentice-like offer of qualification training for existing staff, to form part of the Haringey Academy which includes principles and processes for managing Haringey’s capability and talent,  and will provide clear career paths as well as development opportunities for the skills we need in the future.

The Chair asked for a brief introduction of the report.

The Human Resources Advisor – Ms Rowing advised that the report before the Committee  proposed a number of entry level schemes and an apprentice-like offer of qualification training for existing staff., and would form part of the of the Haringey Academy which included principles and processes for managing Haringey’s  capability and talent, together with ill providing clear career paths, and development opportunities for the skills that Haringey needed in the future. Ms Rowing, in highlighting that the  Haringey Academy was part of the Council’s Workforce Plan, intended to  create an agile workforce that would help achieve the goals set out in the Corporate Plan, outlined the main objectives which were detailed in paragraph 5.2 of the report and were:

a)        Contribution to the re-balancing of the workforce profile

b)        To develop  job ready employees with the right skills

c)         Increase job opportunities for Haringey residents

d)        To introduce entry level schemes in the Council to employ a minimum of 20 apprentices and provide ten internships each year for the next three years

e)        Provide a co-ordinated and consistent programme within the organisation and contribute to Priorities 1 & 4 in the new Corporate Plan

f)          Develop  career pathways  and  skills for the future in the Council

g)        90% successful completion of an apprenticeship framework 

h)        80% retention – with apprentices gaining permanent employment within the Council or with its’  partners and contractors

Ms Rowing further commented that as expressed in the deputation, whilst the joint Trade Union & HR Corporate Committee had in discussions given their support to the proposals they had been clear that all apprentices should be paid the London Living Wage bas detailed in Option 2 of recommendation 4.2.  Ms Rowing commented that it was for the Committee to decide on which of the options it would prefer to agree or make recommendations on an alternative course of action.

The Committee briefly discussed the proposals and were responded tro on a number of points - the following main points were noted:

·        That there needed to be some strengthening of the performance and specific outcomes for those entering and proceeding through the scheme, in the form targets and performance indicators;

·         That in terms of the issue raised by the Unions in respect of the level of salary to be paid to apprentices, and whether there should be a London Living wage paid from the outset, it was felt that as a compromise the London Living Wage should be paid after 6 months on the scheme – which would then give some incentive for individuals to work towards reaching the six month point.

The Chief Operating Officer – Mrs Evans advised that officers would report further on the drawing up of targets and performance indicators.

There being no further comments, on a MOTION by the Chair it was:

RESOLVED

i.              That approval be given to the delivery of an Apprenticeship Programme aimed at 16 – 24 year old Haringey residents or those aged at least 16 attending a school in the London Borough of Haringey, from  April 2015;

ii.            That approval be given to the delivery of a programme for Traineeships from April 2016 which would be an education and training programme, with work experience, focused on giving young people the skills and experience that employers were looking for,  aimed at those who would be leaving care and/or who were Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) who may require more support in preparation for Apprenticeships, as detailed in appendix 5 of the report;

iii.           That approval be given to the delivery of a programme for internships, also aimed at Haringey residents and that the salary for Internships be confirmed as detailed in para 9.6. of the report;

iv.           That approval be given to the level of wage to Apprentices being paid as set out in Option 1 of the report but with an amendment to this option to allow for Apprentices to be at the London Living Wage after month 6 of the apprenticeship;

v.            That approval be given to the payment of expenses to  Traineeships as set out in Section 9.2 of the report;

vi.           That existing staff (where appropriate) be offered the opportunity to follow Apprenticeship Qualification Frameworks, as part of their skills development. As detailed in Section 8.1 of the report; and

vii.          That officers report back to the Staffing & Remuneration Committee giving details of strengthening of the performance and specific outcomes for those entering and proceeding through the scheme, in the form targets and performance indicators .