Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To present the Employment Committee's recommendation to Cabinet for the approval of the People Strategy 2025 - 2028.

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the People Strategy 2025 – 2028.

2.    Delegates minor amendments (including grammar or typographical errors) to the People Strategy 2025-2028 to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council (Cabinet Member for Finance, HR and Economic Development).

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Council could have maintained the existing People Strategy without substantial revision, however this would not have reflected the evolving workforce needs or the significant changes in organisational context, therefore this option was rejected.

Reasons for the decision

The refreshed People Strategy ensured the Council had a skilled, engaged and resilient workforce to deliver high quality services now and into the future. It provided a clear framework for how the Council would attract, develop, support and retain great people, equipping them to deliver excellent services for residents and communities.

The previous People Strategy covered 2022-2025. Progress had been made over the previous three years meaning there was a need for a refreshed Strategy.

The six key priorities were:

-       Workforce Planning - Building a resilient, agile workforce aligned to future service needs

-       Learning and Development – Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

-       Employee Experience – Creating an inclusive, engaging and supportive workplace

-       Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) – Embedding inclusive practices and celebrating diversity

-       Wellbeing – Promoting mental and physical wellbeing through proactive support

-       Reward and Recognition – Ensuring staff feel valued and motivated through fair and meaningful recognition

The refreshed Strategy had been discussed with the People Panel, Senior Leadership Team, the Trade Union and Councillors.