Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 52
The Committee commends the pace in which the PHSO has increased its number of caseworkers...
Conclusion
The Committee commends the pace in which the PHSO has increased its number of caseworkers across 2021–22 and developed a 10-month training academy to support their induction and development in these roles. The Committee welcomes the continued investment in training and development opportunities across the organisation, including the accreditation scheme for senior caseworkers, the establishment of four Parliamentary focus teams, and the ongoing Quality Programme to continuously improve casework management. However, we also note the slight increase in staff turnover in 2021–22 and believe this should be monitored closely. Furthermore, we agree with the Peer Review Panel’s conclusion that further changes should be put in place to improve casework management, including how staff communicate with complainants.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the increase in staff turnover in 2021-22 was in-line with national trends following the pandemic and that turnover has now stabilized. They continue to prioritize developing PHSO's people and are committed to continuous improvement and learning.
Paragraph Reference:
52
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The increase in staff turnover in 2021–22 was in-line with national trends following the pandemic. Turnover has now stabilised. As outlined in the Business Plan, we continue to prioritise developing PHSO’s people to ensure that we remain an attractive employer with an engaged, diverse, and inclusive culture where everyone lives our values and works collaboratively to achieve common goals. We are committed to continuous improvement and learning. In 2021–22 we delivered over 2,000 days of training through over 500 online and offline courses and short learning labs. Our staff survey scores for learning and development have improved in 2021–22 compared with last year. This will support the retention of staff, whilst acknowledging that attrition can also be positive as new staff bring a fresh perspective and different experiences and skills.