Highland Council Employee Survey

20th February 2008

Given the significant change in the organisation of The Highland Council over the past year, the Chairman of the Resources Committee, Councillor Carolyn Wilson, is pleased that many results from an independent survey of employees show a positive trend.

A report to be considered by the Resources Committee on Wednesday 20 February states that a fourth biennial survey of employees attracted 5,056 questionnaires, giving an increased response rate of 40%.

Councillor Wilson said that Council conducted a staff survey regularly to identify how well staff are supported and managed with the aim of introducing improvements.

She said: "The Council has undergone significant political and organisational change in 2007, including the change to three operational areas; a reduction in the number of managers; restructuring in each Service and the merger of Services. Given this context, it is pleasing that many of the results have been maintained or show a positive trend.

"Although the response of the general question on job satisfaction is showing a downward trend, when satisfaction with the 21 factors contributing to overall views about the job are analysed, satisfaction with ~pay~ and ~job security~ are the only factors that are showing a significant downward trend. All other factors have remained broadly in line with previous surveys and generally compare well with other local authorities.

"For example, satisfaction with the working environment (including health and safety); receiving sufficient training and guidance and support at work have all increased and satisfaction with having interesting work is well above other local authorities."
The survey showed there is a 7% decrease (to 26%) in rating the Council as a best/above average employer. However, satisfaction with more specific aspects of the employment relationship such as ~good employment benefits~ remains very consistent and well above the norm for other local authorities.
Views of line managers continue to increase positively (about +2%/3%) across each factor. The factors rated the highest include approachability; honesty; listening; making clear what is expected; knowing the job; decision-making and commitment to the Council. There has also been a positive increase in questions relating to training.
Following the presentation to Resources Committee, the results will be reported to all staff through a newsletter and a series of events across Highland which will allow staff the opportunity to give their views on what the Council needs to do to improve. Agreed actions will be monitored by the Senior Management Team and the Resources Committee.

The Council employs more than 9,500 full time equivalent staff. The great majority of staff provide services directly to people in their homes and communities or are employed in schools. Ninety four per cent (94%) of staff are located in the areas they serve with 6% of staff working from the council's HQ in Inverness.

A brief overview of the survey can be found
HERE