Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Performance and Democratic.

The Head of Organisational Development referred to recent discussions at the Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee in relation to sickness absence. The Officer wished to provide an update on the end of year figure which was 11.67 days taken per employee which was a decrease in 2.24 days per employee compared to the previous year. This was an improved position. The Head of Organisational Development added that if Covid-19 related sickness was removed from the figure it would be 9.98 days per employee. This being a further reduction of 1.69 days. The Head of Organisational Development added that a  report reviewing sickness absenteeism performance would be presented to Corporate Overview in the Autumn.

The Leader noted the improved performance, however there was further progress to be made and asked how the Executive could be assured that there was a consistent approach to monitoring sickness absenteeism.

In response, it was reported that quarterly monitoring reports were presented to the Corporate Leadership Team and these reports would then be considered at their respective Departmental Meetings. During the last year the sickness levels had been regularly reviewed and OD colleagues had assisted managers in the process. The Head of Organisational Development suggested that monitoring and consistency would feature as part of the sickness absenteeism report.

The Managing Director reiterated that sickness absence was monitored quarterly by the Corporate Leadership Team to ensure a consistent appropriate was being undertaken, particularly in relation to long terms absences. The Managing Director had hoped that the improvements made could be built upon going forward to further reduce the sickness absenteeism across the organisation.

The Managing Director further referred to the report which detailed end of year performance and stated that it had been a year like no other. During Quarter 1 the Authority had been severely impacted by the pandemic with major changes for staff and schools. The Managing Director wished to express thanks to all staff who had shown outstanding commitment during the pandemic. Also, the Managing Director referred to the strong partnerships which had been formed with the Trust and Tai Calon as well as the wider across Gwent. It was hoped that these partnerships would be continued.

The Leader echoed the comments raised and expressed thanks to everyone across the organisation. The Leader also referred to the pace in which the changes had been made and it was hoped that this pace would also be continued.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted (Option 1).