Agenda item - HR Annual Report

Report of the Executive Director, Finance & Resources

1)           That Committee notes the HROD and Health & Safety Annual reports that set out the activities, assurance and business plan priorities for the HROD service.

16.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Finance & Resources that set out the annual report of the Human Resources & Organisational Development (HROD) service highlighting activity, assurance and business plan priorities.

16.2      Councillor Sykes noted there had been a significant rise in challenging and violent behaviour toward employees.

16.3      The Head of Health & Safety clarified that incidents of violence and aggression had declined compared to 2017 however; there had been a significant rise on 2018 in challenging behaviour that predominately related to social care settings.

16.4      Diane Bushell noted that sickness rates for some Directorate’s were significantly lower than others. Furthermore, Diane asked if any data was available on the productivity of the workforce in relation to the percentage part-time and full-time employment split.

16.5      The Head of Human Resources clarified that there were lessons to be learned on sickness rates and these could include cross-directorate ‘buddy ups’ or best practice sharing. The Head of Human Resources added that there was no data on the direct impacts of workforce split however, there was no evidence of adverse impact from the weighting of one over the other.

16.6      Councillor Gilbey commented that there appeared to be very few specialised Health & Safety training courses.

16.7      The Head of Human Resources replied that bespoke training was provided such as working at height or manual handling and delivery was a mix of online, in person and/or site specific.

16.8      The Chair asked if there was any planned or current work relating to mental health of the workforce.

16.9      The Head of Health & Safety answered that there was currently significant work being undertaken in the area specifically through HR Advisor training.

16.10   RESOLVED-

1)           That Committee notes the HROD and Health & Safety Annual reports that set out the activities, assurance and business plan priorities for the HROD service.