Pat O’Boyle, AND Culture and Capability joined the meeting.
P O’Boyle presented to the Committee on Employment of people with a disability in the HSE, highlighting that the data here relies on self-declaration of disabilities. She provided an overview of the estimated number of staff with a disability employed within the HSE, the measures supporting employment of staff with a disability, and ongoing work to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation.
According to the most recent staff survey, conducted in May-June 2023, 2,419 HSE staff out of 19,591 respondents to the survey have a disability. When extrapolated, this amounts to a proportion of 12.3% of those staff. The Committee discussed the numbers presented in and were advised by ND HR they are statistically reliable and HSE seeks to give the most reliable data possible.
4.1 Bi Monthly Report
The ND HR presented her Bi Monthly report. She provided an update on Recruitment Reform, highlighting in particular the HSE Resourcing Strategy, increased training places, and International Recruitment. The NDHR advised that the HSE Resourcing Strategy moving into implementation phase and confirmed that to address the gap between supply and demand, there are 400 additional training places implemented in Nursing/ Midwifery, 200 in Medicine, 2000 roles recruited for internationally, and exploratory work commenced on the Physician Associate grade to support services.
The ND HR also advised that as the HSE moves towards the Health Regions, National HR is working closely with the Recruitment Managers around the organization to facilitate the development of a revised operating model, National standards, frameworks and initiatives. The Committee discussed the number of additional training places becoming available and noted that although there has been improvement in recent years, there are still more places required.
In relation to the Public only consultant contract (POCC), the NDHR advised that the numbers who have signed POCC have increased to 558 as of 13th Sept 2023 and this is rising at an average of 30-40 per week.
The NDHR outlined to the Committee the new Programmes from Training and Development, highlighting in particular the HSE HR Scholarship scheme which supports HR staff to enhance their professional knowledge and skills in HR while achieving a third level qualification. She advised that there have been two successful applicants for a bursary which will be provided by the IPA.
The ND HR updated the Committee on Corporate Employee relations. In relation to the Forsa Clerical/Admin dispute, she advised that a series of engagements under the auspices of the WRC have taken place and there will be ongoing engagement with Forsa over the next month. She also advised that the HSCP dispute has been subject to a series of engagements at the WRC, the outcome of which led to the suspension of the action which had been scheduled to commence on 11th Sept 2023.
4.2 HR Dashboard
The Committee reviewed the HR Dashboard which had been circulated prior to the meeting. The July outcome leaves employment levels strongly ahead of the YTD target and YTD employment levels continue to show strong growth with 66% achievement of the overall year-end target.
4.3 Mandatory Training
The ND HR advised the Committee that a new Statutory and Mandatory Training Policy was launched in August 2023. The Policy has been agreed with all stakeholders, including the trade unions, and was implemented on 15 August 2023. This new policy provides guidance to managers of the HSE approach to statutory and mandatory training for employees under their supervision, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all staff in ensuring the provision of, and participation in training.