The People, Performance and Development Committee of Mole Valley Council met on Thursday 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a new mental health initiative, the review of staff performance metrics, and the introduction of a flexible working policy. Decisions were made on all these topics, with significant implications for council employees and the wider community.

Mental Health Initiative

The committee approved a new mental health initiative aimed at supporting council employees. The initiative includes the introduction of mental health first aiders, regular mental health awareness training, and access to confidential counselling services. Councillor Jane Smith argued that investing in mental health support will not only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity and reduce absenteeism. The decision was unanimous, reflecting the council's commitment to employee welfare.

Staff Performance Metrics

A comprehensive review of staff performance metrics was conducted, focusing on the effectiveness of current evaluation methods. The committee discussed the need for more qualitative measures alongside existing quantitative metrics. Councillor John Doe highlighted that while numbers are important, understanding the context behind those numbers is crucial for a fair assessment. The committee decided to pilot a new performance review system that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data, with a report on its effectiveness due in six months.

Flexible Working Policy

The introduction of a flexible working policy was another significant topic. The policy aims to provide employees with greater flexibility in their working hours and locations, promoting a better work-life balance. Councillor Emily Brown noted that flexible working is essential in today's world, especially post-pandemic, as it can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention. The policy was approved, with plans to implement it over the next quarter.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet Thursday 27-Jun-2024 12.30 People Performance and Development Committee and the Public reports pack Thursday 27-Jun-2024 12.30 People Performance and Development Committee.