The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to review performance reports from Human Resources and Legal Services. The panel also noted upcoming reports and the council's work programme for the following year.

Human Resources Performance

The panel considered the Human Resources Performance 2024/25 report, which detailed the council's progress on its Workforce Strategy. The strategy focuses on five key themes: attracting and recruiting talented people, strengthening diversity and inclusion, supporting and developing staff, promoting wellbeing, and leading and delivering change. Key highlights from 2024/25 included the launch of the Workforce Strategy, a reduction in agency spend, increased uptake of apprenticeships, and advancements in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Looking ahead to 2025/26, priorities include embedding the Workforce Strategy Action Plan, launching the Workforce Wellbeing Strategy, and preparing for legislative changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The report also provided detailed data on recruitment, turnover, agency staff, diversity metrics, sickness absence, employee relations cases, workforce development, and apprenticeships.

Legal Services Annual Performance Report

The panel reviewed the Legal Services Performance report, which provided an overview of the department's performance from October 2024 to the end of 2025. The report detailed the legal service model, which uses a mixed economy approach of in-house delivery and outsourcing, and highlighted efforts to reduce agency staffing. The in-house team is structured into six specialist teams: Housing & Litigation, Planning & Procurement, Adult, Employment & Education, Regeneration & Property, Safeguarding Children, and Legal Support & Practice Management. The report outlined the significant workload and complexities faced by each team, including increases in housing disrepair claims, the impact of new legislation like Awaab's Law and the Rent Reform Act, and the growing demand for legal advice in areas such as Safeguarding Adults and Education. The report also noted an increase in Freedom of Information (FOI) and GDPR requests, with a significant rise in Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) complaints. The team has seen a number of permanent appointments, including to senior roles, and is committed to developing its in-house capabilities.

Commissioning of Future Reports

The panel noted the work items scheduled for the next Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel meeting on 12 February 2026. These included an update on the Digital Strategy and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in council services, as well as an update on community engagement.

Work Programme Discussion 2026-2027

A brief discussion was held regarding the work programme for 2026-2027. Members proposed that Artificial Intelligence be treated as a distinct and priority area for scrutiny in the coming year, acknowledging its increasing importance across council services.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking members and officers for their contributions throughout the year.