Lead Member – Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader

Lead Officer – Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health

RESOLVED

3.1 To review, comment on, and recommend to full Council the approval of the draft People Plan (Appendix 1).  

3.2 To agree the governance arrangements, the aims and values, set out in the Plan. 

3.3 To agree the capacity and resources necessary to support the delivery of organisational change and development, as outlined in this plan, are aligned with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to ensure effective and sustainable implementation 

The Leader introduced the People Plan as a key element of the Corporate Peer Challenge recommendations and a central part of the Council’s ambition to become an enabling, modern authority. The plan sets out a commitment to empower, support and collaborate with staff, partners and communities, with the aim of improving outcomes for residents. It included programmes focusing on organisational values, communications, engagement, equality and inclusion, wellbeing, and the introduction of a new performance management framework with clear KPIs.

Delivery of the plan would be overseen by a dedicated People Board, with regular reporting to the Leadership Board and Cabinet. The plan was designed to be collaborative, with strong emphasis on staff engagement, trust, and capturing staff ideas for improvement and efficiency. It aligned directly with the Council’s wider Improvement Plan, supporting modernisation, financial sustainability, and improved service delivery.

During discussion, Members raised questions about the resourcing required to implement the plan, and it was confirmed that funding requirements formed part of the Improvement Plan and may depend on the outcome of the Council’s request for Exceptional Financial Support. Members emphasised that investment in staff was essential if the Council is to deliver the improvements required.

Portfolio holders spoke about severe staffing pressures across multiple departments, with some services operating at or below minimum viable levels. Members stressed the need to protect and rebuild critical teams, improve staff morale, and ensure that officers are not overwhelmed. Several Members also highlighted the importance of celebrating staff achievements and improving public understanding of service pressures.

All agreed that the People Plan was vital to supporting organisational change and ensuring the workforce is equipped and motivated during a challenging period.

RESOLVED

3.1 To review, comment on, and recommend to full Council the approval of the draft People Plan (Appendix 1).  

3.2 To agree the governance arrangements, the aims and values, set out in the Plan. 

3.3 To agree the capacity and resources necessary to support the delivery of organisational change and development, as outlined in this plan, are aligned with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to ensure effective and sustainable implementation