Human Resources Best Value Review
This review highlighted the key role of HR, working in partnership with other Council Services in achieving the Council’s objective of providing progressive, efficient and effective services and upholding the Council’s stated values of equity, fairness and inclusion, and that the success of the HR service is reflected in the quality of support received by the Council and its constituent elements in the employment, management and development of its staff.
The review found that, in overall council terms, HR service costs account for a very small proportion of revenue budget (c1%) and makes negligible calls on capital funding. The potential added value impact on organisational performance, and employee motivation and satisfaction of effective HR management policy and practice is much more significant, although not readily quantifiable in cost terms.
Benchmarking comparisons indicated that service costs were below the average ratio of HR to overall organisation budget in the public sector, although sources were thought not good enough to be conclusive.
A survey of senior officers and service managers carried out as part of the review indicated a high degree of satisfaction among respondents with the service they receive from HR, but identified areas for improvement.
A core theme within the review was the tension between operational and strategic improvement and change activities. While the latter can be planned, the overall context is of unplanned or difficult to estimate demands arising as a consequence of major people related events which can occur anywhere across the Council. The thrust is to enhance capability and capacity for the latter as being of major importance to the Council future, but to achieve such a re-prioritisation without damaging the effectiveness of ongoing service delivery. This is always likely to prove a difficult balancing act, but one which the HR service aspires to through the adoption of new ways of working both within HR and on the part of customers.
For more information on any of our Best Value reviews, please contact us using the details below.
See also
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Business Improvement & Technology Services
Greenfield House, Tullibody Road, Alloa, FK10 2AD
Tel: 01259 452105 / 450000 Fax: 01259 452200
Email: customerfirst@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form.