Issue - items at meetings - Workforce Equalities Report 2014/15

Report of the Chief Executive (copy attached).

That the Committee note the contents of the Workforce Equalities Report for 2014/15.

106.1    The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive in relation to Workforce Equalities Report 2014/15. The purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with an overview of the findings following an analysis of the Council’s workforce and other aspects of employment in relation to the following protected characteristics: ethnicity; disability; sex sexual orientation; age and religion or belief. The report ensured the Council’s compliance with its statutory obligations.

106.2    In response to Councillor Wealls it was explained by Officers that the authority sought to monitor the trans workforce for equalities purposes, but the sensitive personal issues surrounding gender identity and willingness to disclose this information could make meaningful analysis more difficult. However, assurance was provided that the new software used by HR would lead to more effective capturing of this information. As part of wider ongoing work, HR were working with trans staff to revise and update the Trans Policy and it also hoped this open dialogue with the workforce would help improve open disclosure.

106.3    Councillor Daniel welcomed the report, but noted the work that needed to be undertaken to address potential inequality as it related to BME staff; she added that any future report back to the meeting should pick on what had been done to address these specific points. Officers added that work was currently being undertaken to scrutinise recruitment activities and areas had already been identified where this could disadvantage BME applicants, this information would be used to inform a review of recruitment selection and policy to address some of the barriers that were identified. The Committee agreed to receive an update on these matters at the June or July meetings.

106.4    In response to points made by Councillors Mac Cafferty and Janio the Chief Executive highlighted that self-awareness was an important starting point for the organisation; he noted the importance of the points made in relation to recruitment and highlighted the increased challenge of achieving this in the context of a shrinking organisation. He went on to add that the Executive Leadership Team recognised the importance of this issue and their role is setting the tone for the organisation.

106.5    Councillor G. Theobald noted the lack of younger people working for the organisation, but hoped this might be improved through the increased number of apprentices across the Council.

106.6    The Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.

106.7    RESOLVED - That the Committee note the contents of the Workforce Equalities Report for 2014/15.