Agenda item

Hannah Peacock was introduced as the new Head of Transformation and Kelvin Soley as the Head of Communications. 

B Trueman presented the report, noting that sickness has increased, though there is work ongoing to help decrease this.  The increases come from stress, anxiety, Covid-19, and surgery.  It was noted there is a deep dive of statistical analysis to look at this and more information will be brought to the Committee in future.  It was noted that any HR questions would likely be taken away for M Rawdon to answer at a later date. 

On digital, B Trueman highlighted the number of incidents resolved in 2 days, noting that this has improved from 49% to 62% and the staff picture is improving with a new lead officer for the service desk.  There is a backlog of older incidents and, as these are resolved, they will impact on this KPI.

Cllr Claughton commented on the increase in absence due to stress and anxiety, stating that it was unsurprising given the pandemic.  He noted that the council had also undergone significant change recently, and asked if the deep dive analysis would provide the reasons behind the increase.  He said he welcomed what the council was doing to support staff and asked what the take up levels were for what is on offer.  B Trueman agreed to pass the questions onto M Rawdon, though there has been good take up of what’s on offer within his own team. Action.

Cllr Douris noted the importance of the paper and politelyasked that relevant officers be in attendance.  B Trueman advised that absence may be unavoidable when staff are on leave and in these circumstances, they would look to ask a deputy to attend.  It was noted that M Rawdon’s deputy currently has Covid, and the new strategic director only started that week and would be unable to provide answers.  

Cllr Freedman commented that most wellness activities and support listed appeared to be reactive and recommended a KPI that tracks the number of adaptions requested by staff.  Cllr Freedman also suggested that they look at the difference in sickness leave between those who have had a change to where they are working versus those who have always had to attend physically.  B Trueman advised that the dialogue between managers and officers is open and direct, and the culture is to be open and understanding.  It’s in managers’ interests that officers are able to continue working and therefore adaptations are made where possible whilst also offering a service to residents.

Cllr Guest noted paragraph 5.3 on page 37 of the report regarding the launch of the Hertfordshire energy advice tool and asked how DBC has worked with the county council on this project.  H Peacock advised that she would need to come back with more information on the partnership and provide a written response.

Cllr Guest commented on the roll out of EV charge points in council-run car parks is progressing well and asked if this would include shopping centre sites.  B Hosier confirmed that there are a number of neighbourhood sites in the list of sites for charge points, and if the land is owned by the council, then EV charge points can be installed, though this relies on the distribution operator regarding getting cost-efficient electricity to these sites.  Surveys are currently underway and there is a limit on how much will be invested.  On whether EV charging would be rolled out to the verge hardening sites, B Hosier suggested he asked Joe Guiton about this, though the preference is currently to install points in car parks.  Cllr Guest asked if the list of sites could be circulated to the Committee.  B Hosier confirmed he would do this tomorrow though he could not confirm which sites would be chosen until the network operator has proposed the cost of infrastructure, and it was agreed that the definite list would be circulated when available. Action.  

Cllr Douris asked if there is uniformity with all charging points.  B Hosier stated that he would assume there is a consistent approach. 

Cllr Adeleke commented on the impact of mental health issues and asked when the council would publish a clear roadmap on the return to work.  Cllr Douris suggested that officers would not be able to respond to this and that the question should be put to the Head of Paid Service.  B Hosier noted the New Ways of Working process that the council is currently undertaking and that he felt it unlikely that they would return to working as they did pre-pandemic.  Cllr Adeleke commented that other organisations are putting clear roadmaps in place for staff and asked if the council will publish similar to allow staff to know how often they will be in the office.  B Hosier advised that they would not set out what they expect of all staff and that they understand they have staff who work in different ways. Cllr Tindall agreed, noting ongoing discussions with staff representatives to ensure everyone is working together.  

Cllr Peter referred to paragraph 2 on page 40 of the report regarding the number of days lost in the quarter having decreased and asked if this was correct.  It was noted that this should say ‘increased’ and would be clarified. Action.

Cllr Symington commented on EV charging points and asked what of the portfolio holder’s Part 2 decision can be shared with members of the public.  Cllr Symington stated that she felt the process had been unsatisfactory and asked for as much information as possible to provide to the public given the number of residents who have enquired about it.  Cllr Douris stated it was unfortunate to not have the minutes for the meeting where this was discussed.  Cllr Douris suggested that they bring a paper to the meeting on 5^th July.  B Hosier stated that he could bring a report to the Committee and share that the council would like EV charging points installed in all car parks and shopping centre, but the investment is carried out by third parties and is unviable for the service provider to invest.  Cllr Symington noted that the council would be entering into a 15-20-year contract with an operator and stated that councillors require information that can be made publicly available. 

Cllr Douris noted a level of commercial confidentiality on EV charging and that negotiations are currently taking place that have not yet concluded.  Cllr Douris urged for patience.  Cllr Symington asked that the council be asked to see the contract at some point to provide a level of scrutiny.  B Hosier clarified that he is happy to share everything he could with the councillors, but he wanted to share the selected sites with a level of confidence and that he didn’t believe they would know this by July.  B Hosier clarified that the decision has been made by the portfolio holder’s decision team to enter into a contract though the exact locations are yet to be agreed.  Cllr Symington commented that any information to share with residents would be welcomed.  B Hosier agreed, adding that there would be a marketing programme for the roll out once the decision has been made but that they want to avoid promising residents where the sites would be. 

Cllr Freedman noted that the EV discussion had gone on for a long time and asked why the decision was a portfolio holder decision.  Cllr Douris stated that this could not be answered in the absence of meeting minutes. 

Cllr Tindall looked to HRO4A on page 42 of the report regarding the total of days lost through short-term sickness and asked B Trueman to ask M Rawdon if this measure is usable as some people can continue working from home with short-term sickness.  Cllr Douris suggested that M Rawdon provide a written comment on this. Action.

Cllr Claughton referred to page 37 regarding Berkhamsted customer services reopening though take-up is low and asked how the availability of the service was advertised when it was reinstated and if Berkhamsted and Tring councillors will be consulted on the results of the monitoring.  H Peacock confirmed she would check on this and that members would be kept informed.

Outcome:

The report was noted.