Decision details

The Chief Executive provided the Committee with an update on the Council’s future workforce requirements. It was highlighted that workforce planning had become more complicated in recent years due to the operational environment in which it took place. The Committee was informed that in addition to budgetary cuts arising from central government austerity measure, the situation had already become more complicated. For example, in relation to outsourcing services, sharing services and partnership working, new delivery models and the need to join up with services in other parts of the public and/or private sector.

During the discussion, a wide range of issues were considered. These were in relation to ensuring the Council’s workforce was suitable, and had the ability and skills required, to deliver objectives set out in the draft Corporate Plan 2020-2025 and emerging strategies such as the Housing Delivery Strategy, and work that was taking place to enable the Council to operate as an increasingly commercial organisation and in relation to tackling climate change and reducing the borough’s environmental impact. 

The assessment of salary costs in relation to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan and Service and Financial Planning was also discussed. This included consideration of base budget growth proposals for 2020/21 and fixed term roles funded through the Corporate Plan Delivery Fund. It was noted that further information in relation to these proposals would be set out in the provisional budget proposals report (Service and Financial Planning 2020/21) which would be considered by the Executive on 7 November 2019.      

RESOLVED that the update from the Chief Executive in relation to the Council’s future workforce requirements be noted.