Decision details

The Chair presented a report on ‘Scrutiny Letters’ for information.

The Convener of the Scrutiny Working Group for Digital Inclusion, Councillor Lesley Walton, was present to summarise the findings. She highlighted the work carried out by Officers in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic who, for example, continued to deliver a new initiative ‘Chatbot’. The Working Group would continue to support staff with the huge advances and continuing changes in technology and look at the Digital Inclusion Strategy as well as the revamp of the Council Website. The Working Group felt that further oversight of work on Digital Inclusion was necessary as things develop, perhaps annually.

The Convener of the Scrutiny Working Group for Workforce, Councillor Cyril Anderson, referred to the Working Group’s letter to Cabinet Members and response, following the Working Group meeting. He highlighted the work of staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the first lockdown staff had adapted better during the second lockdown, with improvements to support from the Council. It was noted that there would be a further staff survey circulated in the next 6 months to ask staff about working from home now they were more experienced / had more exposure to it. The Working Group were looking to meet again when the results of the survey were known.

Both Conveners thanked staff for all their hard work, helping the Council though a very difficult period.

The Chair touched on some issues around the use of agency workers, recently discussed at the Governance & Audit Committee, and he would be discussing with the Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee a way forward around future discussion avoiding any duplication between respective Committees.

Resolved that the scrutiny letters log be noted.