Agenda item

(To receive a report by Fiona Thompson (Service Manager – People Management) which provides an overview of the results of the Employee Survey 2017, and also includes the next steps and key themes emerging at a corporate level)

Consideration was given to a report by Fiona Thompson (Service Manager – People Management) which provided an overview of the results of the Employee Survey 2017.  The report also included the next steps and key themes emerging at a corporate level.

The overall participation rate of the survey in 2017 was 56.5% with a total of 2540 responses received.  The Board was advised that this was a 5% increase on the 2015 results.  The results indicate a positive shift change in perceptions when compared to the previous survey and, despite the challenges, the workforce sees LCC as a good employer.  Support towards colleagues also indicated a very positive working culture.

It was confirmed that the results were being further analysed by Corporate Support Functions, Director areas and Project Leads to support additional activity specific to these areas and workforce priorities.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       It was confirmed that in 2015 there were approximately 400 less staff than at present.  It was highlighted that the survey had been carried out just after the last restructure;

·       220 employees who had been TUPE'd over from the NHS were not invited to participate in this survey as they had transferred at around the same time;

·       Members were disappointed with the results from Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue (LFR) and it was explained that they had been given the option to complete the survey online or on paper.  LFR had opted for paper which had resulted in nearly 60 surveys arriving over one month after the survey deadline.  The feedback from those responses was also being looked at but did not form part of the formal survey results.  Given the delays in receiving paper copies, it had been decided that future surveys would be carried out online only;

·       Only 52% of Children's Services staff had completed the survey and it was suggested that more focus had been given to a national survey which these members of staff must also complete;

·       Although only 56.5% of staff responded to the survey, the Board was advised that this was a very good rate of response for this type of survey.  Overall, the satisfaction rate had been positive and any issues raised were being cascaded to the relevant service areas to give further consideration;

·       Disappointment was noted that 23% of responders indicated that they did not have any opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.  It was agreed that this was disappointing and that a considerable amount of work had been done with managers in relation to the training and appraisal process to ensure that they were of a good quality.  It was further explained that, unfortunately, due to the recent restructures and the council become a much 'flatter' organisation that there were less opportunities for staff to progress;

·       Question 13 on page 53 of the report suggested that 10% of people were unaware of the appraisal system which suggested that they had not received an appraisal.  The Board was advised that the performance appraisal system was a new scheme which had not come into force until 1 January 2018, therefore all staff should now have been made aware and had undergone an appraisal;

·       Members were concerned that the 100% sample noted was not 100% of council staff and, therefore, the lack of knowledge for some members of staff in relation to information governance and safeguarding could be a lot higher than indicated;

·       It was the responsibility of the service areas to monitor the compliance of their staff in completing relevant statutory training, including Information Governance; and Safeguarding.  The Board asked for assurance that there was a process to ensure that all staff were undergoing the necessary level of statutory training;

·       Following an appraisal, staff received a link to a separate survey to provide feedback on the appraisal process, however completion was voluntary.

RESOLVED

·       That the report be noted;

·       That a report on survey outcomes and actions of service areas as a result of the outcomes be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at its meeting in August 2018; and

·       That a report outlining sickness and appraisal data be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at its meeting in October 2018.