Issue - meetings

To report to the Scrutiny Committee on the performance of the Corporate and Legal Services Departments.

·       To accept the report and to note the observations.

·       To welcome that a detailed work programme is being drawn up to address the recommendations of the Information Commissioner's Office following an audit of the Council's arrangements in relation to freedom of information requests

·       That the Committee receive an update on the Customer Care Plan as it develops

·       That Heads of Department need to be encouraged to respond to the annual questionnaire from the Legal Service

·       To request that the Scrutiny Committee receive information about prosecutions relating to pupil absences.

The report was submitted by the Cabinet Member, noting that she was going to start with the Corporate Services. It was expressed that it was good to report that there had been significant progress in the Council's strategic priorities, and that many successes were seen in the quantitative performances. It was noted that some challenges continued in fields such as occupational health, staff sickness and contracting promptly.

It was highlighted that there had been an increase in the procurement field, with an increase of 1% in the Council's use of local companies bringing the percentage to 59%. It was noted that work had been done in the employment field, but it was highlighted that the jobs matrix was now to be completed in 2025/26, but it was highlighted that a general staff training framework was now underway.

In the equality field, it was noted that a staff equality forum had been established, and work was being done to the Council's website to ensure that it was accessible. It was further highlighted that autism and neurodiversity training was available to staff.

Progress in the Women in Leadership plan was highlighted, with 45% of the individuals now having moved to senior positions, and it was noted that the development programmes and teatime chats for staff were continuing, as well as launching a new brand for the project.

The Legal Service was then discussed, highlighting that there were 4 teams - Legal, propriety of elections and registration and support for the coroner’s service. It was highlighted that the officers receiving the service were satisfied or very satisfied with the service and an annual report from the heads of department reported positive results. It was explained that the department's staffing situation was now healthy, and locums were no longer used.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the propriety team had held training on the code of conduct for members, and that many members had still not completed it which was a matter that arose often in the Standards Committee. 

Staff from both departments were thanked for their work.

During the discussion, the following observations were made: 

It was highlighted that many projects had slipped from this year to the following year, and it was asked whether this was as a result of a shortage of staff to complete the work. It was noted that the shortage of staff was not the problem but workloads could be heavy and, as a result, it was difficult to complete them without the impact on day-to-day work. The key job matrix was highlighted as an example, noting that many complications had come up, but work on the plan had restarted with a higher staff capacity in place to finish the work.

It was expressed that many measures had been highlighted red, it was asked whether this caused concern. In response, it was noted that many were red as a result of the high challenge that the department gave in terms of measures. However, it was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11