Agenda item

Members accepted and noted the information in the report, and supported the alternative savings scheme.

The report was presented by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

RESOLVED

The information noted in the report was accepted, and the alternative savings scheme was supported.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the Cabinet Member wanted to draw attention to some specific plans. It was noted that work was being undertaken on the Keeping the Benefit Local project and the department had been trialling a new methodology to assess tenders based on social value and local impact.  It was stated that undertaking the pilot had enabled the department to understand how arrangements work on a practical level and the opportunities and associated risks.

It was explained that the Women in Leadership scheme continued to attract more women to apply for and attain higher positions within the Council by reviewing work conditions and the work environment. It was highlighted that there had been progress in the Ensuring Fairness for Everyone project. It was noted that there was a great deal to be achieved, however, it was noted that awareness and passion made a difference.  

In terms of planning the future workforce it was highlighted that an investment had been made to continue with the programme's work to attract and develop talent via the Apprenticeships Scheme and the Cynllun Yfory Scheme for Managers and Experts. It was explained that there was a need to undertake additional work to try and retain staff within the Council and to ensure service continuation. 

Attention was drawn to the department's day-to-day work, and it was highlighted that the Corporate Support Department had managed to retain the Corporate Health Standard's Gold Level. It was highlighted that adaptations would be made to the Galw Gwynedd Centre at Penrhyndeudraeth in order to provide a new comprehensive face-to-face customer contact service in the area.  The important work undertaken by the Registration Service was highlighted and they had coped extremely well under genuinely difficult circumstances.

It was stated that in terms of savings, since 2015 the department had identified £2.5 million of savings, this was equivalent to a quarter of the department's budget to maintain and extend the service.  In terms of savings to be realised by the department that alternative schemes had been identified. 

Observations arising from the discussion

¾    Pride was noted that a Project Officer had been appointed for the Native Welsh Place Names Scheme and the need to work with other organisations such as the Post Office was noted to have a more Welsh aspect in day-to-day activities. 

¾    It was stated that Keeping the Benefit Local was an exciting and far-reaching scheme.

¾    In terms of workforce recruitment and retainment, there was a need to highlight the issues seen to appoint staff in the care field together with retaining professional staff in other fields.  The schemes seen within the Council were highlighted including the Developing Potential scheme that develops officers and expertise in order to retain individuals within the Council.