Agenda item - Our People Promise - An Update

Report of the Executive Director Finance & Resources (copy attached)

RESOLVED: That the Committee –

(i)            Noted progress made over the last 12 months in implementing Our People Promise.

(ii)          Approved the continuing programme of work on the council’s offer to its staff.

(iii)         Agreed that consistent with the City Council’s long-standing commitment to a City of Sanctuary for refugees, the ‘Our People Promise’ is developed to explore effective methods to support the recruitment of refugee communities. Such work could also involve working with local community and diaspora groups to identify and address barriers refugees may face in council recruitment processes.

10.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Finance & Resources which update the Committee on the progress of Our People Promise, the programme of work to implement a clear and improved offer from the Council to its staff, and to establish a fair and inclusive culture where expectations around we work were clear.

10.2  The Chair noted that there was an amendment from the Green Group and asked Councillor Hugh-Jones to introduce it.

10.3 Councillor Hugh-Jones referred to the recruitment process and a desire to make the workforce more reflective of the city. Many of the refugees who make their home here are highly qualified but due to the circumstances which led them to leave their homes, they may find it harder to produce the documents to show their qualifications and experience. The amendment encourages the Council to adopt a more flexible approach in those circumstances. The following amendment was proposed (changes in bold):

           2.1       That the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee (PR&G) notes progress made over the last 12 months in implementing Our People Promise;

          2.2         That PR&G approves the continuing programme of work on the council’s offer to its staff; and

2.3         That consistent with the city council’s long-standing commitment to a City of Sanctuary for refugees, the ‘Our People Promise’ is developed to explore effective methods to support the recruitment of refugee communities. Such work could also involve working with local community and diaspora groups to identify and address barriers refugees may face in council recruitment processes.

10.4 Councillor Mac Cafferty formally seconded the amendment.

10.5 Councillor Mac Cafferty referred to First Care and asked if it had been successful. Officers advised that since First Care had been introduced the level of absence had reduced by 5% (they said they would check that figure after the meeting), and senior managers were now better informed on the reasons for absence and those who had used the nursing service had reported that it had been useful.

10.6  Councillor Yates noted the amendment and said that the Labour Group would support it.

10.7  The Committee voted on the amendment and it was agreed.

10.8    RESOLVED: That the Committee –

(i)            Noted progress made over the last 12 months in implementing Our People Promise.

(ii)          Approved the continuing programme of work on the council’s offer to its staff.

(iii)         Agreed that consistent with the City Council’s long-standing commitment to a City of Sanctuary for refugees, the ‘Our People Promise’ is developed to explore effective methods to support the recruitment of refugee communities. Such work could also involve working with local community and diaspora groups to identify and address barriers refugees may face in council recruitment processes.