High job losses at Baw Baw
The number of resignations and terminations of staff at Baw Baw Shire for the first three months of this year has been higher than the long term average, according to a council report.
The report assessed council’s performance in the January to March period and presented a report card on a number of key areas.
The report said resignations and terminations remained “higher than the long term average.”
“We expect this to reduce over the medium term as the organisation focusses on creating stability in the organisation as we prepare for cultural change,” the report said.
Community information and advocacy executive manager Jane Oakley said council wanted to build a “thriving culture.”
Ms Oakley admitted the shire’s staff turnover was higher than the state average and similar councils.
“Baw Baw Shire has experienced high turnover of its workforce as a result of a significant organisational restructure which took place in 2014/15 and it’s fair to say the organisation has been slowly recovering from this change.
“Also contributing to our high staff turnover is the constant changing skills and knowledge required to perform roles in the organisation.
“As part of our commitment to a thriving culture, we place a strong emphasis on empowering staff and having clear measurable accountabilities,” she said.
Cr Tricia Jones said she was concerned about the resignation and loss of staff outlined in the report.
“It would be really nice to have people stay for longer and have succession planning, so they can be replaced.
“We need to be growing the people and ensuring we aren’t losing knowledge of those officers,” she said.
Ms Oakley said the organisation was constantly improving its business and believed effective leadership was essential to a constructive and sustainable culture.
“We continue to invest in developing our workforce so that they are skilled and competent in the delivery of effective and efficient services to our community.
Ms Oakley said the organisation would soon welcome a new chief executive officer, which would be an opportunity to deliver on its commitment to build a thriving culture to better serve the community.