The Staff Governance Committee of Aberdeen City Council convened on 24 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including updates on Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), family-friendly policies, and the quarterly health and safety report. Decisions were made to enhance family-friendly policies and to address mental health action plans.

Family-Friendly Policies

The committee reviewed the Family Friendly Policies SGC Update June 2024FINALREPORT. The report proposed several enhancements to existing policies to better support employees with families. The committee decided to adopt these enhancements, which include extended parental leave and more flexible working arrangements. Arguments in favour highlighted the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being, while concerns were raised about potential impacts on productivity.

Mental Health Action Plan

The MentalHealthActionPlan_June2024 Final was another significant topic. The plan aims to improve mental health support for council employees. The committee approved the action plan, which includes measures such as mental health training for managers and the introduction of mental health first aiders. One councillor noted, Investing in mental health is not just a moral obligation but also a practical necessity to maintain a productive workforce.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Update

An update on the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) initiative was presented. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people in Aberdeen. The committee discussed the progress made and future plans, including partnerships with local businesses and schools. The update was well-received, with members praising the initiative's role in reducing youth unemployment.

Health and Safety Quarterly Report

The Health Safety Quarterly Report and its appendix were reviewed. The report highlighted a decrease in workplace accidents and outlined ongoing safety training programmes. The committee commended the efforts but stressed the need for continuous improvement.

Staff Absence and Sickness Trends

The committee examined the Staff Absence Report Final and the Sickness Absence Trends April 2023 - April 2024. The reports indicated a slight increase in sickness absence rates, prompting discussions on potential causes and mitigation strategies. The committee agreed to monitor the situation closely and consider additional support measures for staff.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.