Issue - meetings

To provide an update on Workforce Planning and Development initiatives and activity through the Children’s Services Partnership Academy.

The Head of Quality Assurance, Governance and Improvement presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The purpose of the report was to provide an update on Workforce Planning and Development initiatives and activity through the Children’s Services Partnership Academy.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• The Chair thanked the Officer for the presentation and referred to an email he had received from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board.  It was noted that the questions contained within the email had been answered during the presentation.
• Vacancy rates were covered by agency staff which was 32%
• Payments - £3,000 retention and £8k relocation payment if needed, looking to get a labour market supplement to entice team managers, although that budget had not yet been agreed, it formed part of th e MTFP
• Fantastic report – comprehensively addressing and recognise on journey and want to raise level of way work, sure will get there.
• A Committee Member requested that any acronyms used could be detailed earlier in the document to enable lay people to understand
• In response to a query about reducing agency staff, the Committee was advised on the plan to reduce .Permanent workforce for April 2024 – on target to reduce use of agency staff.  January 2022 at 32% want to reduce to 30% by April 2022.  Most recent campaign has about 8 applicants
• In response to a query regarding the pay premium of £3k – understand why doing – how does that sit with other directorates – how justify it.  Other directorates have issues at recruiting at certain levels – recruitment and retention for £3k was supported by O&S Board – it was not to put over and above but to ensure competitive within the local market.  It will need to be addressed through the pay and reward scheme.
• Training plan is excellent, mention about domestic abuse – crosses over to adult social care – cross over and shared learning? Premise of partnership academy to work across all relevant agencies/services.
• The Chair concluded that it was a great report and pleased about the training being offered.

The Chair summarised discussions as follows:

• Answered all questions from O&S Board
• Ensure acronyms were explained
• Targeting of reducing agency staff
• Pay premium to ensure competitive
• Cross over work with other agencies in the partnership

RESOLVED that the content of this report be accepted as an update on progress to date.