1 – Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor McQueen, Howes and Cutler.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
No pecuniary interests were disclosed.
3 – Approval of Minutes
Members resolved to approve the Minutes for the Meeting of the People & Performance Committee held Wednesday 10 April 2024
4 – To resolve to exclude press and public
Members resolved to exclude press and public, pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
No public or press were present.
5 – Performance Reviews
To note the completion of workforce performance reviews in August 2024.
The committee was provided with a report that set out the main findings and cumulative scores from the most recent review process. Members were pleased to note the various areas of training and development that had been identified as part of the process and that would form the basis of the training programme for the rest of the year.
Members resolved to note that Performance review forms were completed by the workforce in August 2024 and followed by individual 1:1 meetings with line managers as appropriate.
6 – People & Performance Activity Report 1 April – 31 July 2024
The committee was provided with a report that gave an overview of current work activity, data on the current workforce status, recruitment needs and absence and attendance information. Members acknowledged the difficulty of providing cover in certain areas, specifically for cleaning and hospitality, due to the long-term absence of some key postholders. This is aiming to be supplemented through advertisement for temporary cover but staff are under pressure in the meantime.
Members resolved to note current work activity, workforce status, recruitment needs, overtime and absence and attendance information.
7 – Update regarding Workforce Structure
The committee was provided with an update regarding current workforce structure arrangements including the Estate Maintenance Team amalgamation, information regarding resource requirements following the completion of the recreation ground masterplan, and proposals regarding internal activity ahead of forthcoming budget discussions. The need for weekend cover at the recreation ground was acknowledged now that the football season had commenced but which was likely to become an ongoing arrangement due to the increase of certain maintenance tasks that will be required following the completion of the masterplan work. The way this is to be achieved will be reviewed in the next period but may comprise a further part-time estate role to ensure sufficient resources are in place. Equally, in the next period the requirement for daily cover resource for the new Lizzies café will also be established in line with the business plan for the launch of the enhanced service. These increasing demands will inevitably impact the annual revenue budget so will need to be carefully considered, and resources reviewed across the board. Members were also pleased to note that the recent appointment of the Community Engagement Manager had proven extremely successful and had enabled the delegation of the hospitality directorate to relieve pressure on the executive team.
Members resolved to note the update regarding the workforce structure.
8 – Hospitality Weekend Supervisor Rates
Members were advised that a significant increase in hospitality bookings, along with the long-term absence of some key postholders, was affecting the availability of supervisor cover. To support the ‘stepping-up’ of some existing staff on a shift-by-shift basis, members were requested to note the proposal for enhanced remuneration for any employee acting as Shift Supervisor at an additional £1.50 per hour.
Members resolved to note the proposed pay enhancement and referred ratification to the full council, which has the authority to make changes to employment terms and conditions.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 20:25pm.