Narative report - Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

5. A modern and diverse workforceBasingstoke and Deane Borough Council is committed to investing in anddeveloping its staff. The council was reaccredited for Investors in People in June2009.Diverse WorkforceThe council fosters an open and welcoming approach to all groups and this isstated on all job adverts. For example, the council is committed to the ‘Positiveabout Disabled People’ scheme whereby we will interview all disabled applicantswho meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on theirabilities. We now have an ethnic minority representation in the workforce of3.55% 10 which exceeds the performance target for this indicator of 2.6%. Thecouncil offers management training, a wide range of flexible working arrangementsand childcare vouchers. Of the top 5% of earners at the council, 50% are women.A People Strategy was adopted in 2009 following consultation with staff, Unisonand elected Members. The People Strategy sets out how we will achieve ourobjectives through our employees by having the right people, in the right place,with the right skills, at the right time. The People Strategy Action Plan andachievements are reported every six months to the Strategic Management Teamand HR Committee.A key priority running through out all HR policies and procedures is equality andtransparency, to ensure that no group is disadvantaged. All HR policies andprocedures being reviewed have had an EIA. The council also has a CorporateLearning and Development Plan that links to the People Strategy and details thecouncil’s commitment to learning and development.Staff consultationThe council has a consultative approach with staff and established a Joint StaffConsultative Forum (JSCF) in 2009 to complement the excellent relationship thathas already been established with Unison. The JSCF meets on a quarterly basisand includes representatives from every business unit as well as management,Unison and HR. It provides a forum where staff and managers can have a frankand open exchange of views about a whole range of issues including terms andconditions, new policies, new ways of working etc. During a successful first year,the JSCF considered a wide range of issues including a new flexi-time policy,chaplaincy service, staff car parking and private health insurance.In addition to the JSCF, the council undertakes ‘Donut’ sessions where all staffmembers are invited to meet with senior managers to discuss key issues. All staffattend and each session includes about 30 employees. To complement the donutsessions, a meeting involving all council employees is held annually. As part of the10 As at 30 September 201020