To approve the Herefordshire Council Workforce Strategy for 2013-15.

The Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member Corporate Services presented a report on the Council’s workforce strategy for 2013-15.  The strategy set out the framework for the proposed outcomes for the workforce in the light of the Council’s ongoing transformation.  It had taken account of the priorities in the corporate plan, together with the employee opinion survey and other performance and feedback mechanisms within the Council.  He drew members’ particular attention to the identified workforce strengths and weaknesses, the Council’s priorities for attracting, recruiting and retaining key staff, and the guiding principles of its pay and reward policy. 

During the ensuing discussion, the following key points were made:

·           The ten workforce outcomes outlined in paragraph 10.1 of the report were the underpinning principles of the strategy, and would ensure that the right management skills, staff and roles were in place.  Many elements, such as outcome (f) (supporting team members to lead healthy lives and to have a good work/life balance) had arisen directly from the staff opinion survey, coupled with analysis of staff data. 

·           A general measure was being put in place to de-clutter the Council’s staff policies, to enable a swifter and more agile decision-making process, and provide greater clarity in guidance. 

·           The workforce strategy was mindful of the current challenging economic climate, and aimed to encourage staff motivation and morale, and optimise the positive value of the workforce in relation to service provision.  The new system of staff appraisals would be a key tool in monitoring the workforce and helping staff to achieve career progression and feel valued. 

·           With reference to paragraph 15.1.2. of the report, it was noted that Cabinet would receive a report on the information management and technology strategy at its meeting on 18 April 2013.

RESOLVED:   that the Workforce Strategy (at Appendix A of the report) be approved.