Issue - meetings

To update the Joint Staff Consultative Committee on the progress made in the last quarter completing HR work and projects and supporting people issues.

The Human Resources Services Manager presented the Information Note entitled ‘HR Update’.

Audio Recording – 7 Minutes 10 seconds

·       It had been a busy period for recruitment, there were fewer vacancies than in previous years but the 3 apprenticeship roles had attracted 117 application.  

·       There had been a slight increase in staff turnover but nothing significant.

·       Staff received the 2023/24 pay award in their November pay, it was expected negotiations for the 2024/25 pay award would commence in January.

·       The contract for the Learning Management System was due to end in July 2024 and this was being reviewed.

·       The Inclusion Group had received training on microaggressions and unconscious bias.

·       An inclusion sub group had been formed to review the gender pay gap, which for 2023 was 14%, an improvement from 19.3% in 2022. An action plan to focus on attracting females into senior roles was continuing.

·       There had been an increase in absences above what was expected for the time of year.

·       Work was ongoing regarding more complex absences, especially as the majority of long term absences related to mental health.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

·       Councillor Terry Hone

In response to questions the HR Services Manager stated:

·       The work force had more female employees, however the majority were employed below Grade 10, this area would be specifically targeted.

·       A confident women workshop had previously taken place and was again being considered.

·       Employees seconded from Hertfordshire County Council were not included in the Gender Pay Gap percentage calculations.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis highlighted that staff were able to be reimbursed for the Flu Vaccine.

N.B Councillor Tom Plater joined the Zoom meeting at 10:15.