The Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - Resources of Derbyshire Council discussed significant issues including the potential closure of council-operated care homes, the strategic approach to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and the current situation regarding trade union time off.

Council Care Homes Closure

A public question was raised by D Ingham regarding the potential closure of up to 11 council-operated care homes. The question highlighted a discrepancy between the January 2024 meeting, where no plans to reduce care homes were mentioned, and the April 2024 Cabinet meeting, where closures were proposed to achieve budget savings of £5.209 million. The response clarified that while no specific homes were identified for closure in January, there was an acknowledged need to reduce capacity and remodel services to meet current and future demand. The subsequent analysis confirmed sufficient capacity in the Derbyshire care home market, leading to the proposal to rationalise council-operated care homes and focus on specialist dementia care.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy

Wes Downes, Policy Manager, and Sally Pearson, Head of Learning and Development, presented the key results and findings of the public consultation on the proposed EDI Statement and Equality Objectives. The consultation, which ran from 28 February to 13 March 2024, received around 100 responses, primarily from council employees. The feedback indicated high levels of agreement with the EDI statement and objectives. As a result, the EDI Statement was amended to reflect a stronger commitment to both colleagues and communities. The committee resolved to note the consultation findings, the final proposed EDI Statement and Equality Objectives, and the update on key EDI activities across the council.

Trade Union Time Off

The committee was updated on the current situation regarding trade union time off within Derbyshire County Council. The council follows the ACAS Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities. The recognition agreement with Unison, Unite, and GMB, which includes provisions for trade union time off, is currently under review. Initial amendments have been suggested and will be discussed with regional officers. The committee resolved to note the current situation and the proposals to review the recognition agreement.

For further details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting and the public reports pack.