Agenda item

The Service Director Business Improvement, Human Resources and Communications will submit a report providing an overview of the functions of the Business Improvement, Human Resources and Communications Business Unit and related elements of the Annual Governance Statement process.  The Annual Customer Feedback report is provided as an Appendix to the report.

The Service Director Business Improvement, Human Resources and Communications submitted a report providing an overview of the functions of the Business Improvement, Human Resources and Communications Business Unit and related elements of the Annual Governance Statement process.  The Annual Customer Feedback report was provided as an Appendix to that report.

He reported that this was a new Business Unit that had been established from the 1^st June, 2019 the functions of which were then outlined.  The report, which had been framed around the Annual Governance Statement, had been presented to Cabinet on the 4^th September, 2019.

In the ensuing discussion, the following matters were highlighted:

·         Reference was made to the need for and success of the workplace counselling that was available via the Occupational Health Unit.  It was noted that 178 employees had been supported during 2018/19

·         Arising out of the above, it was reported that the Corporate Peer Review had identified that a number of members of staff appeared to be feeling overworked.  This was perhaps understandable given the staffing reductions that had taken place as a result of the financial restrictions.  As a result, a review of the wellbeing service and strategy was being undertaken.  The service continued to respond well to all referrals, but, of course, could always do more.  These type of issues had been raised by the Trade Unions nationally.  It was hoped that well-being and health could be incorporated into an overarching mental health strategy

·         There was a discussion of the levels of sickness absence for 2918/19

o   it was noted that total absence per employee for 2018/19 was 7.84 days per employee which was an improvement from 7.87 for the previous year

o   there had been a year on year improvement from 2013/14 onwards

o   Barnsley also compared favourably to other authorities

o   It was noted that stretch target for days lost was 6 days

o   In response to questioning, the Service Director stated that he could provide absence information for the whole economy compared to the local authority sector

RESOLVED  that the report be received and that the Service Director Business Improvement, Human Resources and Communications be thanked for attending the meeting and for answering Members questions.