Agenda item

ICT and Customer Services

The Operational Services Manager introduced a report to request that the Committee consider the 2012/132 Quarter 1 service performance reports, note the position of the Strategic Assessment of Risks and Challenges (SARC) contained within the performance reports and note progress made against the Improvement Targets contained within the performance reports.  He gave a short presentation on the performance within ICT and Customer Services, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within the report. 

In response to a question from Councillor I. Dunbar on the Procurement – General Update and the national pilot scheme being undertaken by the Authority alongside Swansea and Merthyr, the Operational Services Manager provide further detail on how the scheme worked. 

Councillor C.S. Carver commented on the problems which he had experienced when using the Guest wireless system.  The Operational Services Manager explained that he would look at the issues raised and try and identify a solution.  

Human Resources and Organisational Development

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development introduced a report to request that the Committee consider the 2012/132 Quarter 1 service performance reports, note the position of the Strategic Assessment of Risks and Challenges (SARC) contained within the performance reports and note progress made against the Improvement Targets contained within the performance reports.  She gave a short presentation on the performance within Human Resources and Organisational Development, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within the report. 

Councillor P.J. Curtis welcomed the pilot scheme in Streetscene for physiotherapy but raised concern about the sickness levels and asked whether enough was being done on enforcement of the policy.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that she would provide further information on the pilot scheme to a future meeting of the Committee.  There had been a slow but steady improvement in the reduction in sickness levels and she added that the policy was enforced and had led to some employees being dismissed due to their sickness record.  Councillor Curtis felt that the sickness levels would have reduced because of the flexi scheme operated by the Council but this had not been the case, however he welcomed the work that was ongoing. 

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development provided an update on progress made on implementing the self service modules on iTrent.  She explained that the Expenses module for claiming mileage and subsistence was being rolled out across Corporate Services currently.  In response to a question from Councillor M. Bateman, the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the guidance on subsistence was being reviewed and explained that only a small number of the workforce were eligible to receive subsistence payments.  She added that she would provide further information on the policy.  The Leader of the Council welcomed the offer to provide further information but said that one example may be where an employee was representing the Council on an overnight stay. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the reports be received;

(b)       That the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development provide further details on the policy on subsistence claims.