Members approve ambitious Talent Strategy to foster growth and innovation

Members of today’s Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan, which have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. 

The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models. The plan will be reviewed annually to support continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging needs.   

Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Derek Louden, commented:  “Highland Council is committed to building a high-performing and agile workforce that can thrive in an ever-changing climate. By implementing the Talent Strategy, the Council is taking meaningful steps towards achieving its vision of a resilient and sustainable future workforce.”   

Councillor Calum Munro, Vice Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, added:  “A key element of our future workforce resilience – particularly for the more remote and rural areas within the region – will be in creating meaningful development opportunities for staff.  The “Grow Your Own” programme developed in-house for the Health & Social Care Service is just one example of an initiative which could be adapted and implemented within other areas of the organisation to support growth.”   

The strategy is aligned with the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan (HOIP) 2024-2027, reflecting the Council's commitment to maximising social, economic, and partnership opportunities. It provides a clear vision for workforce planning, talent attraction, and employee development.  In addition, it emphasises the importance of creating a fully engaged workforce equipped with the skills needed to meet present and future challenges.