Issue - meetings

Annual Equalities in Employment Report

Meeting: 11/12/2023 - Personnel Committee (Item 7)

7 Annual Equalities in Employment Report pdf icon PDF 592 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Decision:

 

That the enclosed equalities employment information was approved by Members.

 

Minutes:

Questions were received from Members in terms of the workforce predominately being female, and as a result what actions were in place to encourage or support female employees into higher paid roles.

 

The Head of People and Organisational Development responded by informing Members that a Talent Management Team was in the process of being established. The team would then being looking into areas such as career coaching and career development. The plan going forward would be to review the talent within the Council and finds ways in retaining talented employees.

 

Members were then given an update to the newly formed mentoring scheme, developed in conjunction with Chwarae Teg. Members were told the scheme had been specifically designed to assist low paid female employees of the workforce, but also one that is inclusive to all employees.

 

The percentage of declared disabilities was discussed, with Members raising concerns to the low number. Officers responded by stating it was primarily the employee’s responsibility to declare if they wished to disclose any information regarding personal disabilities. Officers went on to state a new self-serve database had been rolled out, again where employees have the opportunity to disclose personal information. Members were further informed of the disability passport scheme. A forum is also to be established specifically for employees with disabilities.

 

Members raised questions surrounding training courses and whether the data set ‘new applications’ included  mandatory courses. Officers stated, mandatory training was not included under ‘new applications’ these courses are  mandatory for all staff. Members went on to raise concerns to the numbers stated within the report, as they were misleading. Officers would note this information.

 

A recommendation was put forward in terms of working parties for specific characteristics, inclusive of differing levels of officers from across the Council. Officers went on to provide an update to the formed ethnic minority employee network and the positives and outcomes seen from the formed group. The same process would like to be mirrored in the future with a disability group. In the first instance the suggestion from Members would be referred to the equalities and cohesion group for matters relating to the protected characteristics as discussed. Members went on further to highlight the positives of individual working groups and opposed to one overarching group, which may see a lack of interest due to specific areas of interest. Members were informed the group was currently under review.

 

Decision:

 

That the enclosed equalities employment information was approved by Members.