The Local Government Management Authority (LGMA) has released its finalised ‘People Strategy’ for 2026 to 2031. You can read the ‘People Strategy’ document here.
The document is described as both a workplan for strategic HR initiatives in the sector and a ‘template’ for local authority HR staff as they develop their own local strategies. There are 31 local authorities in Ireland and approximately 32,000 employees working in the sector.
Earlier this year Fórsa submitted a response to the draft document calling for expanded staff resources and an end to outsourcing.
The union also called for an increased pace to the roll-out of job evaluation across the sector, protection of blended work, a pilot programme of the four-day week, an appropriate AI policy for the sector, a transfer policy for the sector, and a number of further measures to ensure workers’ concerns are addressed.
Subsequently, the LGMA attended a Local Government Fórsa divisional council in early September to engage further and hear directly from representatives.
Head of division Richy Carrothers said: “We welcome the engagement that has led the LGMA to take some of the issues we raised during the development of the strategy on board. In particular, we welcome the commitment to finalisation and roll-out of the job evaluation scheme and to maintaining blended work.”
“This document has the potential to inform positive improvements for workers in the local authority sector, however continued engagement through the Local Authority National Council (LANC) and at local level will remain of crucial importance.”
“We want local government to become the employer of choice. For that to happen an implementation plan for this strategy is now needed, which must be matched with training, development and resources. We will continue pressing for this to ensure workers in local authorities have the conditions and opportunities they deserve,” he concluded.
Fórsa represents more than 12,000 workers in local authorities, including clerical, administrative, management, technical and professional staff, as well as general operative grades across the greater Dublin area.
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