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Dear colleagues,
September started with a whirlwind of new activity for the team.
As well as the usual popular content of advisory bulletins, events and publications, we have introduced some new LGA webpages on addressing menopause in the workplace. Look out for more developing content on our website in the coming months.
Teachers’ pay for 2019 has now been published together with the STRB Remit for 2020 pay.
Term-time holiday pay calculation guidance is provided in Advisory Bulletin 664 and there is an invitation to councils to be involved in the LGA’s refresh of social worker standards. Also, there are new LGA workshops on the Disability Confident Campaign.
A recurring theme of this bulletin is attracting and developing talent for the sector - helping councils respond to greater and evolving demands. We have both LGA and regional events available for colleagues to attend.
Read on for more information. Any general queries on the work of the team can be addressed to workforce@local.gov.uk.
Stories
Teachers’ Pay
NEOST (National Employers Organisation for School Teachers), as a statutory consultee, submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on the proposed teachers’ pay award of 2.75 per cent for 2019; calling for full funding from September 2019. The document detailing the pay award has now been published in the form of STPCD for 2019. Following announcements made as part of the Spending Round, the STRB Remit for 2020 has also been published.
Term-time employees – calculation of holiday pay
We are aware that more councils are dealing with cases relating to the calculation of holiday pay for term-time only employees. Authorities may wish to refer to advice issued in Advisory Bulletin 664 and the subsequent guidance from the NJC contained in Part 4.12 of the Green Book.
New Workforce team Menopause webpages
For September’s Menopause Awareness Month, we have new webpages offering information and advice to encourage and support local government employers breaking the stigma around talking about the menopause at work. September’s guest bloggers on the menopause, Leicestershire County Council, will be talking about their award nominated work on this topic at our equalities event on 1 October.
Teachers' Pension Scheme and the McCloud Case
Teachers should be aware that the Government has confirmed that the McCloud age discrimination case and any changes to benefits resulting from it will apply to all public service pension schemes including the Teachers scheme. Therefore no separate legal action is necessary.
Employer Standards for all registered social workers
The Standards for Employers of Social Workers relate to all registered social workers, including managers and student social workers. However, the landscape in which social work is delivered is changing and the LGA is leading the refresh of these standards to reflect a more accurate picture of social work in 2020. If you would like to be involved, please email workforce@local.gov.uk
Workforce planning support offer - regional workshops (see dates below)
Workforce Planning is critical to ensuring workforces are aligned with business objectives. Effectively done, it can increase productivity through timely and skilled employee engagement. See details under ‘events’ for LGA hosted workshops to develop an LGA guide.
Publications
Adult social care sector and workforce in England
This Skills for Care report provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England.
Latest Firefighters’ Pension Scheme bulletin
FPS Bulletin 23 - August 2019 has been published. We are delighted to release Aon’s final report in the review of scheme administration costs and effectiveness - Appendix 1. Firefighters Admin Benchmark report - Final - Issued. Other important items include an update on valuation data and a reminder about recording and reporting breaches of the law.
Latest Local Government Pension Scheme bulletin
Bulletin 188 updates employers and administering authorities on current issues affecting the LGPS. The latest bulletin includes updates on recent Government consultations and the proposed transfer of Equitable Life’s business to Utmost.
The latest employment law bulletin 672 addresses a wide range of current and ongoing issues
Sharing ideas
Are you (or a colleague) up for the LG Challenge?
LG Challenge sees talented local government officers competing in a series of real-life challenges around the country. The winner will have the opportunity to turn their idea into reality and win the prestigious £10,000 Bruce-Lockhart scholarship. Apply by 13 October.
London, Manchester and Taunton
The LGA has developed a training programme to support officers working at a strategic level to develop their skills in commercial thinking and best practice, governance, strategy and finance. To find out more email commercialskills@local.gov.uk.
LGA workforce team colleagues will be talking about workforce planning at the East Midlands Council conference.
LGA Workforce Survey – statistics infographic
As well as the annual workforce survey results thr LGA has also now developed a document presenting key workforce statistics in infographic form which will be updated whenever new data is available.
Every mind matters
Public Health England’s new Every Mind Matters campaign launches on 7 October. It’s full of practical tips for achieving good mental health. Campaign materials can be used within your organisation. An NHS-approved tool can complement existing wellbeing programmes. Check with your communications team on the best ways to get involved. For more help sign up to the PHE Campaign Resource Centre.
Mentally Healthy Schools has launched the first in a series of practical toolkits supporting good mental health in primary schools. Designed by leading child mental health and education experts, working with The Royal Foundation, the curriculum linked resources focus on issues such as helping pupils settle into the new school year, bullying, the importance of kindness, alongside teachers’ wellbeing. Register on the site for automatic updates.
We know our members will be preparing for different Brexit scenarios and may have received different advice and communications from a variety of sources. For this reason, we have compiled useful national advice, sorted by topic area, in one place.
LGA Behavioural Insights Programme grant funding 2019
Does your council have a behavioural insights or ‘nudge’ project that would benefit from up to £20,000 in funding to run a trial? If so, apply for phase five of our prestigious Behavioural Insights programme by 1 November, part of our sector-led improvement offer of support.
Through the Disability Confident campaign the government is working with employers to remove barriers, increase understanding and ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. LGA workshop details will be announced soon.
Employer Link – providing expert employment guidance
The LGA workforce team provides expertise to local authorities for free. However, many other organisations could benefit from our services. Employer Link is a key resource for organisations that use the terms and conditions of the Green Book or Burgundy Book; or those who provide workforce support within the sector. Visit our website to see how we can help your organisation or organisations with whom you work. For further information about the service, contact info@employerlink.co.uk
Events
Essentials of teachers’ pay and conditions
Taunton | 8 October
For events elsewhere in the country or to request a booking form please contact jacky.teasell@local.gov.uk
Teachers’ pensions annual conference
London | 8 October 2019
Teachers’ pensions annual conference
York | 17 October 2019
LGPS annual governance conference
York | 23 to 24 January 2020
Workforce planning support offer - regional workshops
West Midlands Employers | 9 October
Email Lorna Young: l.young@wmemployers.org.uk or call: 07827 894749
(Ring-fenced to WME Members only – booking required)
East Midlands | 9 October
Attracting and Developing Talent Conference
(Open to all; must book)
London | 30 October
Email: welna.bowden@local.gov.uk
East of England LGA | 5 November
Email: lucy.ashwell@eelga.gov.uk
(Open to all must book)
Leeds | 12 November
Email: Steve.Walmsley@yhemployers.org.uk
(Open to all must book)
South West Region – date and venue TBC
For more information about the programme please email Welna Bowden.
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