Research

SOLGM has initiated a number of research on the recruitment and retention needs of the local government sector in New Zealand.

• Workforce Planning Research 2009
• Survey among Chief Executives 2008
• Local Government Recruitment and Retention 2005

Workforce Planning Research 2009

In November 2009, the Workforce Planning Project Group conducted a survey as a component of the Workforce Planning Project. The aim of the project is to increase the ability of local authorities to fulfil their workforce requirements. 

The research generated information that will help the following:

• Determine the organisational demographics of the local government sector
• Identify current hard to recruit positions in local government and in five years time
• Identify the barriers in recruiting for positions

The information gathered from this research was analysed against the results of the Recruitment & Retention Research in 2005 and the Chief Executive research in 2008. The results will now be used to develop strategies in helping local authorities address some of their workforce issues.  One of the strategies already discussed is an HR Toolkit for Local Government. 

Thank you to all those who responded to the survey and to the Workforce Planning Reference Group including: Sharon Pointon (Horizons Regional), Jo Spiewak (Environment Canterbury), Murray McAlister (South Waikato District), Gill Riley (Waipa District) and Bruce Miller (Dunedin City).

Work on the HR Toolkit for Local Government will commence shortly.  For more information, contact Janice Nadew at jnadew@solgm.org.nz

Download the results of the Workforce Planning Research 2009. (PDF 1.16 mb)

Survey among Chief Executives 2008

This backyard survey was conducted in 2008 to identify potential issues on:

• Executive recruitment & retention including major competitors for executive staff
• Staff turnover in skill shortage areas
• Turnover rates for Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y
• Retention strategies

Download the presentation delivered at the 2008 Chief Executives' Forum (PDF 2.76 mb)

Local Government Recruitment and Retention 2005

SOLGM commissioned Deloitte to provide the local government sector with information needed to improve the recruitment and retention of core human resources. Information was required to address:

• An understanding of the areas in which local authorities are currently faced with skill shortages and where future gaps may be
• An understanding of the perceptions held of local authorities as an employer
• Indicators and recommendations as to where SOLGM and local authorities should focus their recruitment and retention efforts in the future were also sought

Download the full report Local Government Recruitment and Retention 2005 (PDF 1.1 Mb)