People mangement

What is a people strategy?

Employers cannot deliver a full and competitive service if they do not have the right workforce or resources in place. A people strategy helps this. It recognises the benefits of having a committed, capable and skilled workforce that is focused on achieving the council's objectives. It also presents a process through which employers can attain real service enhancements.

The development and implementation of a people strategy strongly aligns with the recommendations from the Pay Commission and the Pay and Workforce strategy.

Performance improvement

A people strategy helps councils to focus on the people management interventions that impact on the achievement of corporate objectives. It helps to develop an understanding of how different aspects of people management policies relate together, for example team-based working and sickness absence management. Research has shown that key people management interventions, such as recruitment and retention policies and internal communication, are closely linked to raising productivity and performance.

Helps future planning

A people strategy helps authorities assess current workforce and people management activity through the use of SMART targets. It identifies gaps that need to be filled to enhance future service performance. It supports organisational development and change management. For example, the strategy may set out the need for job redesign, more flexible working methods or new skill and competency requirements and how these will be achieved.

Allows a greater focus on priorities

A clear strategy will help focus resources on complementary and consistent people management practices. It will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the HR function and the council.