To receive a verbal update of the Performance Manager on the net zero staff, event held on the 17 January 2022.
Minutes:
The Performance Manager provided Members of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group with a verbal update on the Net Zero Rhondda Cynon Taf staff event held on the 17th January 2022. The Performance Manager acknowledged the work undertaken in previous years in terms of engagement with residents and the community; it was recognised that there was a need to identify, discuss and attain staff views in regard to ways in which to tackle climate change and reduce the Councils Carbon Footprint. The Performance Manager informed Members of the inclusion of questions in staff and management surveys and through ongoing ‘Lets – Talk Climate’ conversations.
Members were informed that due to the significant focus on Covid-19 over the last two years, focus can now be directed towards engaging with staff and providing opportunities for involvement and contribution directly on climate changes and reducing Carbon emissions. The Performance Manager acknowledged the significance of staff, to the work undertaken now and, in the future, as around 80% of staff are residents of RCT.
Members were informed that the Staff Net Zero event was set up with the aim of providing a new and different opportunity to raise awareness of the Councils plans and to begin a more direct conversation with staff. The event was held virtually and open to all staff from different grades and services; Short surveys were provided to staff who wanted to contribute but were unable to attend.
The Performance Manager advised Members that when the session was set up, the team were unaware of the demand/numbers or level of engagement which would be received; however, a positive response was received with over 70+ staff in attendance to the virtual event. During the event, presentations were received from County Borough Councillor Rhys Lewis, Chris Bradshaw and David Powell. Following the presentations, the participants were directed into discussion groups where they were asked about their ideas towards ways in which the Council can reduce carbon and other emissions in its services and operations and secondly their ideas about the best way to involve and engage all staff to help the Council achieve its carbon reduction targets.
The Performance Manager confirmed the groups engagement and enthusiasm during the discussions; Useful information was attained which will be considered and utilised along with feedback from other engagement streams.
The contributions from the participants confirmed the value of more opportunities for staff to contribute and be involved in Climate Change discussions. Based on the discussions, the following was identified:
- Staff want more information about what the Council is doing about Climate Change and also what staff can do.
- There was a growing focus on reducing carbon emissions across and within services.
- There was growing recognition that ‘green’ will be our business as usual, and;
- There was growing acknowledgement that everyone has a part to play.
The Performance Manager informed Members that the new Climate Change strategy will direct much of the work which will be available for consideration and launch by the new administration. However, in the meantime preparedness has begun to introduce Climate Awareness Raising sessions for staff to accompany the launch of the new strategy. It was confirmed to Members that arrangements for the next Net Zero staff event have been scheduled for the 9th May 2022. A staff ‘Green Space’ in Teams has been set up where staff can join, share ideas, and access information concerning what the Council is doing to tackle climate change and provide the Council with direct access to a staff panel for engagement on climate related issues.
Lastly the Performance Manager confirmed a new wide-ranging involvement or engagement plan that will continue the Climate conversations with residents, staff, and other stakeholders.
The Performance Manager acknowledged that there is still more work to be done by ensuring that staff, particularly those who don’t have access to emails have the chance to have their say. The Performance Manager informed Members that from work undertaken to date, it was identified that staff are keen to get involved and play their role with tackling climate change.
The Chair thanked the Performance Manager for the update provided and was pleased with the overall engagement from staff. The Chair was impressed with the ‘Green Space’ forum on Teams and recognised the value of the forum which encourages staff to share their ideas and views.
One Member echoed the Chair’s praises and acknowledged the importance of staff involvement due to the value they possess within the Council by aiding in supporting and progressing projects forward.
One Member raised a query on funding allocation for the forum in order to implement the proposed ideas further. The Chief Executive advised that funding can be allocated depending on the quality of the idea proposed.
Following discussion, the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group RESOLVED:
- To note the verbal update of the Net Zero Staff Event.