Agenda item

The information in the Annual Report for 2021/22 was noted and approved.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Jones

DECISION

The information in the Annual Report for 2021/22 was noted and approved.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that it provided an overview of the main workforce matters that had been addressed last year. It was emphasised that the report also referred to the main challenges facing the Council as an employer over this year and the longer term.

Attention was drawn to the main messages in the report, firstly when coming out of the pandemic, the Council like all Councils and employers, operated within an employment context that had now changed significantly. It was stated that working practices had changed permanently and, as a result, it meant that some recruitment and staff retention problems were starting to become apparent. It was emphasised that planning the workforce effectively was more needed than ever, and to try to anticipate future challenges and prepare for the skills and people required to cope with it.

It was noted that the health and well-being of staff was absolutely vital to the Council and there were now different pressures on families with the increase in living costs and as an employer, the Council needed to be aware of how that strain could affect staff's well-being. It was stated that the Council continued to develop and experiment with 'hybrid' working arrangements for staff, and it was noted that arrangements would stabilise over the winter months and provide a better picture of what would be in place in the longer term. However, it was emphasised that the needs of services and Gwynedd residents would ultimately drive the final arrangements.

The Service Manager emphasised that the report specifically examined the workforce and themes seen in the Council over the past year. It was added that the themes highlighted continued to be important to the service and that they would remain a priority over the next period. It was noted that pressures were seen on services to recruit and retain staff across the Council and that work was being undertaken to look at this.

Observations arising from the discussion

·         It was noted that the Apprenticeships scheme seen within the Council needed to be maximised and promoted and that more use should be made of the scheme.

·         It was stated that it was significant that there had been a large increase in the figures of posts being re-advertised over the past few years, and it was noted that the Council needed to ensure that it examined how it advertised posts and conveyed the best image for prospective applicants. It was explained that the recruitment market had changed during the pandemic and that the Council was seeking to catch up with the times to improve the way it advertised.

·         It was explained that members were aware of staff leaving the Council to work in other companies and authorities due to the ability to work from home and it was enquired whether the Council offered the same type of terms. It was noted that working flexibly and virtually provided opportunities and challenges to the Council and the need for the Council to encourage applicants to join the workforce was highlighted.

·         The need was highlighted for the Council to promote the benefits of working for a Local Authority and to show the Council's whole employment package.