Agenda and minutes

Councillors Linton, Alex Pimm and Bright

None.

a)    Officer presentation

b)    Committee questioning and discussion

c)     Formation of comments and recommendations

People Policy and Transformation

Invitees:

-          Councillor Dimitri Batrouni (Leader of the Council)

-          Councillor Rhian Howells (Cabinet Member for Assets and Infrastructure)

-          Councillor Pat Drewett (Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction)

-          Rhys Cornwall (Strategic Director - Corporate and Transformation)

-          Tracy McKim (Head of People, Policy and Transformation)

-          Janice Dent (Policy and Partnership Manager)

-          Mark Bleazard (Digital Services Manager)

-          Kevin Howells (HR & OD Manager)

-          Shaun Powell (Transformation and Intelligence Manager)

The Head of People Policy and Transformation (HoPPT) gave an overview of the report.

The Committee asked the following:

• The Committee discussed the impact of environmental issues, such as post-Covid-19 effects, on sickness days. The HR & OD Manager (HRODM) explained that an increase in sickness towards the year's end is common across industries due to factors like mental health issues.

• The Committee asked if sharing best practices could increase check-ins across the Council. The HRODM advised that increased engagement and the introduction of new behaviours and values from the People Plan led to higher check-in rates.

• The Committee enquired about the compilation of a comprehensive asset list. The Committee were advised that a Strategic Asset Management Plan was in progress, aiming to review and optimise the Council's assets for future sustainability, and also noted the complexity of assets due to varying degrees and leases with external parties.

• The Committee sought insights from a recent cyber security workshop. The HoPPT shared that the workshop was helpful in reviewing industry standards and recovery training, with human error being a significant risk factor.

• The Committee suggested including tutorial videos for operating online-only Newport services. The HoPPT advised that there has been a review into customer service across the Council that aimed at making the website more user-friendly, with plans to look into troubleshooting and FAQ pages. They also clarified that this comes under the Finance service area.

• The Committee requested an update on the budget saving measure leading to the Civic Centre's additional closing days. The HoPPT noted ongoing work to manage this change effectively.

• The Committee queried whether unsuccessful interview applicants were contacted. The HRODM confirmed that applicants who fail at the interview stage are contacted if they are willing to share information.

• The Committee noted confusion regarding a figure on page 37, indicating an action due to finish in 2027 was marked as complete. The HoPPT clarified that a stage of the work had been completed, not the entire piece.

• The Committee suggested improvements to the report process for clarity and to address confusion. The Leader agreed, emphasising the need for clearer reports.

• The Committee enquired about plans to incorporate qualities from the People Plan. The HoPPT advised that the priority for 2024/25 is to deliver the People Plan and the Strategic Equalities Plan, focusing on staff engagement.

• The Committee were advised of the improvements in the HR Payroll system’s link to the Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund for better data transfer. The Committee were also advised that all enquiries regarding this should  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

a)      Actions Arising (Appendix 1)

b)      Forward Work Programme Update (Appendix 2)

c)      Outcomes Monitoring (Appendix 3)

Invitee:

-          Neil Barnett (Scrutiny Adviser)

a)    Actions Arising

The Committee were advised of Actions Arising.

b)    Draft Annual Forward Work Programme Update

The Committee were advised of the draft Annual Forward Work Programme. The Committee accepted the dates and agenda items. The Chair advised that it would be beneficial if the Committee discussed the Committee’s forward work programme in more detail at the next meeting.

c)    Outcomes Monitoring

The Committee were advised of the up-to-date outcomes.