Agenda item

To receive the report of Vanessa Tanner, HR Business Partner.

RECEIVED the report of Vanessa Tanner, HR Business Partner.

NOTED

1.    Joanne Drew, Director of Housing & Regeneration presented the report and advised that the Council Housing department had recently completed a significant restructure with the aim of creating a service fit for the future.

2.    The structure review encompassed the full breadth of the Council Housing teams, recognising the need for change within the context of the broader legislative framework and the opportunities afforded by new ways of working and new more mobile technologies.

3.    In designing the new structure, the senior leadership took a broad and holistic approach taking into consideration feedback from residents; the views from the teams; preparing for the implementation of the Social Housing White Paper as well as reflecting on lessons learnt and challenges associated with the pandemic.

4.    The report also addressed the following matters and discussions took place around each of them:

·         How the restructure affected the number of Neighbourhood Officers on the ground;

·         Similar questions on Caretakers;

·         Update around the new Board;

·         Turnover of staff historical/current and

·         New strategies from Human Resources (HR)

5.    The restructure had created three new teams; the First Response Team, the Community Partnerships team and the Resident Relationship Team. In addition to these a Place Improvement team had also been created. Information was provided on the roles and responsibilities of each of these teams.

6.    In response to Members’ queries regarding caretakers it was advised that as part of the restructure the Estate Services Team, which includes the caretakers, was moved across to the newly created Repairs & Estate Service. There were no other substantive changes to this team with the number of caretakers and senior caretakers remaining unchanged.

7.    In response to concerns from Members regarding the turnover of staff from within the Council Housing department, detailed information was included in the report comparing the turnover within Housing with both the Place Directorate and the Council.

8.    Members felt that it was important for the new teams to have clear lines and responsibilities as this had been somewhat lacking in the past. Officers advised that an implementation plan for the new service is being developed and will include clear team plans which link to the wider departmental objectives. As part of the development of the implementation plan staff engagement, to ensure staff feel engaged with the plan, will take place.

9.    A training programme for the department is being developed which will be informed by the new approach and training needs analysis with staff as part of the annual Personal Development Review (PDR) process and recent Investors in People (IIP) survey.

10. In response to a question regarding diversity within the Council’s workforce it was advised that the restructure had allowed for the creation of new and diverse talent and trainee surveyor roles had even been created to try and build pipeline talent and increased opportunity for professional development.

11. Members requested to view the diversity figures for the Housing Department workforce, and it was agreed that these would be brought to a future meeting of the Panel.

12. Concerns were raised about the previous ineffectiveness of the Council Housing Department, especially in responding to Members/residents enquiries/complaints and it was felt that they were one of the least responsive of any Council service. Joanne Drew, Director of Housing & Regeneration said that she was sorry to hear of the problems experienced. She assured Members however that improving the Council Housing service was priority and she was confident that the restructure would result in significant improvements.

13. With regards to the First Response Teams/Officers, it was agreed that moving forward Members would be better updated on the details of these teams for each of their wards and kept aware of any changes to personnel/officers.

The Scrutiny panel agreed to the following recommendations:

(i)            Work force diversity figures within the Housing Department to come back to the next meeting of the Panel.

(ii)          Following the Local Election in May 2022, Housing Team to provide all Members with details of the First Response Teams for their wards and going forward Members to be continuously updated on any change to personnel/officers.