Decision details

Mrs Ruth Henshaw, Delivery Development Officer presented progress with Council Plan performance indicators for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 December 2017 with reference to corporate ‘health’ (organisational resilience). She reported that there had been no ‘red’ indicators, i.e. falling short of forecast target or at risk of missing the end-year target, requiring detailed ‘exceptions’ commentary.

Members enquired why staff turnover was quite high (8.4% for quarter three), how it compared to ten years ago and against other comparable councils and whether ‘exit’ interviews took place. Members considered staff sickness absence rates and queried whether staff morale surveys took place. They also suggested that mandatory training rates should be 100% rather than the target of 85%.

In response, Mrs Henshaw advised that staff turnover trends could be checked including any long-term details if required. She confirmed that ‘exit’ interviews took place but did not know if numbers or other details were collated so would check with the Human Resources Service.  She was not aware of any recent annual staff survey. However, regular staff feedback questions were asked at the annual Staff Conference. Mandatory training was mainly online-based but some services required more in-depth traditional training. She agreed that consideration needed to be given to a higher target for mandatory training rates.

Members noted that there were a number of ‘exceptions’ from contract procedure rules and queried whether any trends had been identified and whether contract officers understood their roles and procurement requirements. Ms Henshaw advised that she would liaise with Financial Services to provide a response following the meeting.

It was suggested that, for future reports, a short explanation of trends and any notable information would be helpful in the ‘notes’ column for all indicators.

The Committee agreed:

1.      To receive information on numbers and other details of ‘exit’ interviews following the meeting.

2.      That Mrs Henshaw be requested liaise with Human Resources to consider a higher target of 100% for mandatory training rates.

3.      To include a short explanation of trends and any notable information in the ‘notes’ column for all indicators in future reporting.

4.      That Mrs Henshaw liaise with Financial Services and report back to the Committee on why there were a number of ‘exceptions’ from contract procedure rules, any trends identified and what was done to ensure contract officers understood their roles and procurement requirements.