Highland Council agrees action plan based on successful staff survey

At the latest meeting of The Highland Council this month, Councillors agreed an action plan on the survey findings which was developed in partnership with the Council’s trade union partners.

The Highland Council Employee Engagement Wellbeing Staff Survey during the early months of the COVID-19 response attracted a significantly higher than average response rate of 44% of Council staff making their views known and heard to management and councillors.

Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “Our recent staff survey has given the council a high degree of evidence that our staff are feeling informed and know where to go for help if needed.  However we need to ensure we are continuing to listen and respond to our staff and their unions.  The increased reach of training sessions and support available to all staff on subjects such as taking care of your mental health is reassuring.  Now we need to involve all of our staff as we redesign and  strengthen our front line services.”

Chief Executive Donna Manson added: “During this period of unprecedented challenge, it is even more important that we listen to all our employees and that we continue to involve them as we work through the ongoing response and recovery phase. The survey received a remarkable response and some really positive feedback which we are taking on board.”

In the survey response - high proportions of employees agreed or strongly agreed that during the pandemic they:

• (94%) know what they need to do to keep safe and healthy during COVID-19;

• (90%) know where to access advice on mental health issues;

• (80%) know who to talk to if they need support;

• (74%) have been kept up to date and feel well informed regarding the Council’s response; and

• (64%) know where to find updated information on their working arrangements.

Further analysis of the survey data found that the information received was balanced and as expected in terms of staff responses based on gender, age and Council Service. The data was found to be representative of the wider workforce and an excellent foundation for action planning.