This is the corporate health data for quarter 1, 2025 to 2026.
Summary of people
Recruitment and retention
At the end of the quarter the recruitment success rate (vacant positions that were filled in the period) was 73.8%, not including a small number of positions where the outcome is still to be confirmed. This is a 0.4% increase compared to 73.4% during quarter 4.
At the end of June, 90.1% of staff who were in council employment 12 months ago remained in employment. This is a slight increase from 89.9% at the end of quarter 4.
Just over 3 in 4 staff (75.3%) have been with the council for 2 years or more as at the end of June. This is a slight increase compared to 74.3% at the end of quarter 4.
Staff voluntary turnover
| Department | At quarter 1 | 2024 to 2025 average |
|---|---|---|
| People | 9.8% | 9.5% |
| Communities | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Place | 11.6% | 12% |
| Resources | 6.7% | 5.8% |
| Total voluntary turnover (non-schools) | 8.9% | 8.9% |
The result reported at each quarter end is the average turnover over the previous 12 months. For example, the result at the end of quarter 1 2025 to 2026 is the average turnover between July 2024 and June 2025.
| Comparator data | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total voluntary turnover for Bracknell Forest Council, 2024 to 2025 | 8.9% |
| Unitary authorities (using median figures for headcount and leavers) 2023 to 2024 | 12.6% |
Source: Infinistats 2024 (for available authorities only).
Staff sickness: days per employee
| Department | Q1 2025/26 | 2024/25 Quarterly average | 2025/26 Estimated annual average | 2024/25 Annual average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People | 2.3 | 2.2 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Communities | 1.3 | 1.7 | 5.2 | 6.3 |
| Place | 1.6 | 1.4 | 6.4 | 5.3 |
| Resources | 2.4 | 2.2 | 9.6 | 8.6 |
| Total (non-schools) | 2 | 2 | 8 | 7.8 |
| Comparator data | All employees, average days sickness absence per employee |
|---|---|
| Bracknell Forest Council (excluding schools) 2024/25 | 7.8 |
| Unitary authorities 2023/24 (median figure) | 9.5 |
Source: Infinistats 2024 (for available authorities only).
People
Decreased by 1.8% to 2.28 days lost per employee compared to last quarter (2.32 days).
Children’s Social Care and Education and Learning both saw an increase in absence this quarter. Commissioning however saw a significant drop in absence rates by 58%, due to the number of long-term sick cases reducing.
Stress is the reported reason for the majority of days lost in the period, accounting for just over 1 in 3 (37%) days lost this quarter. This is an increase from 22% of days lost during quarter 4. In terms of separate reported instances of sickness during the period, of varying length in days, stress accounted for nearly 1 in 5 (18%).
The HR team continues to support managers across all directorates with absences due to stress.
Communities
Decreased by 38 % to 1.3 days lost per employee compared to last quarter (2.1 days).
The number of days lost has decreased by over 36% this quarter, and all areas reporting sickness last quarter, reported less during Q1. Cancer was the reason for the most days absence this quarter accounting for a quarter (25.7%) of the days lost. While cold, cough or flu was the most common reason for absence instances this quarter with more than 1 in 4 recorded periods (28.2%). Stress was cited as the reason for 12% of the days lost this quarter which is higher than last quarter (6%).
Place
Increased by 20.1% to 1.58 days lost per employee compared to last quarter (1.3 days).
There was a significant increase in absence for Property Services this quarter. This is due to new long-term sickness. Most days lost in period were recorded against stress, anxiety or depression, accounting for 26.5% of the absence.
Cold, cough or flu accounted for the most periods of absence this quarter at just over 26%.
Resources
Decreased by 1.3% to 2.45 days lost per employee compared to last quarter (2.5 days).
While there was a reduction in sickness recorded across the directorate during the period, there was an increase in sickness absence with the HR,OD and Payroll team.
People
Increased from 48% in quarter 4 to 56% in quarter 1.
There were 32 members of staff off long-term during the quarter compared to 30 last quarter, however less than half of these (15) were still absent at the end of June.
Communities
Increased from 41.5% in quarter 4 to 49.7% in quarter 1.
While long-term sickness increased this quarter, there was no change in the number of staff recording. There were less than 5 members of staff off long-term, compared with the same number last quarter.
Place
Increased from 32.5% in quarter 4 to 56.3% in quarter 1.
Long-term sickness equates to a higher proportion of the absence this quarter, the number of cases has increased but remains at less than 5.
Resources
Decreased from 81% in quarter 4 to 76.3% in quarter 1.
There were 5 members of staff on long-term sick during the quarter. Less than 5 of these remain off at the end of the June.
People
Reduced from 33% in quarter 4 to 31% in quarter 1.
Communities
Decreased significantly, from 35% in quarter 4 to 18.8% in quarter 1, compared to last quarter (35%)
Contract Services had the highest proportion of staff off in the quarter with just over 1 in 5 recording absence (22%).
Place
Decreased from 36% in quarter 4 to 19.6% in quarter 1.
Resources
Increased from 22% in quarter 4 to 27.3% in quarter 1.
The Q1 result is closer to the expected levels, with just over one in four staff recording absence. This follows an unusually low result during Q4 (22%).
People
Slightly higher compared to same time last year.
Total absence in quarter 1 was 2.28 days, compared to 2.03 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Communities
Slightly higher compared to same time last year.
Total absence in quarter 1 was 1.29 days compared to 1.26 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Place
Higher compared to same time last year.
Total absence in quarter 1 was 1.58 days compared to 1.08 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Resources
Slightly higher compared to same time last year.
Total absence in quarter 1 was 2.45 days compared to 2.41 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
People
Slightly higher compared to the same time last year.
Excluding long-term sickness, employees took an average of 1 day compared to 0.95 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Communities
Slightly higher compared to the same time last year.
Excluding long-term sickness, employees took an average of 0.64 days compared to 0.61 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Place
Slightly lower compared to same time last year.
Excluding long-term sickness, employees took an average of 0.69 days compared to 0.71 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Resources
Lower compared to same time last year.
Excluding long-term sickness, employees took an average of 0.58 days compared to 0.65 days in quarter 1 2024 to 2025.
Summary of complaints
During 2024 to 2025, the corporate complaints process was revised to a 2-stage process, reduced from 3 stages.
The children’s statutory complaints process still includes a third stage. In line with good practice, the quarterly average from the last 12 months is included in the charts for comparison.
There were no discrimination, harassment or victimisation (DVH) complaints recorded in the quarter.
Adult Services
Statutory cases received by Adult Services in quarter 1 were slightly lower than the quarterly average during 2024 to 2025 (10 compared to 11). Three Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) cases were received, higher than the 2024 to 2025 quarterly average of 0.5.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 10 | 11 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 3 | 0.5 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 1 |
| Partially upheld | 3 |
| Not upheld | 3 |
Children's Services
During quarter 1, the total number of SS1 and S1 cases received by Children’s Services was lower than the 2024 to 2025 quarterly average (13 compared to 16). SS2 cases were higher and volumes across S2 and LGSCO were comparable.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory stage 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Statutory stage 2 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Statutory stage 3 | 0 | 0.5 |
| Stage 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Stage 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 1 | 1 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 3 |
| Partially upheld | 3 |
| Not upheld | 7 |
Early Help and Communities
During quarter 1, the number of S1 cases received by Early Help and Communities was slightly lower than the 2024 to 2025 quarterly average (6 compared to 8). On average 2 LGSCO cases were received per quarter last year, none were received during quarter 1.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Stage 2 | 2 | 2.5 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 0 | 2 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 0 |
| Partially upheld | 2 |
| Not upheld | 6 |
Education and learning
During quarter 1, the number of S1 cases received by Education and Learning was slightly lower than the 2024 to 2025 quarterly average (22 compared to 25). Volumes across S2 and LGSCO were comparable.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 22 | 25 |
| Stage 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 3 | 3 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 11 |
| Partially upheld | 11 |
| Not upheld | 7 |
Communities
Communities received 5 S1 cases during quarter 1, in line with the quarterly average of 4.5 during 2024 to 2025. No other cases were received.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Stage 2 | 0 | 0.5 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 0 | 1 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 1 |
| Partially upheld | 1 |
| Not upheld | 3 |
Resources
During quarter 1, Resources received 10 cases compared with a quarterly average last year of 7. No other cases were received.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 10 | 7 |
| Stage 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 0 | 0 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 0 |
| Partially upheld | 2 |
| Not upheld | 7 |
Place
During quarter 1, the number of S1 cases received by Place was slightly lower than the 2024 to 2025 quarterly average (6 compared to 7) and cases at S2 were comparable. On average 1.5 LGSCO cases were received per quarter last year, none were received during quarter 1.
| Type of complaint | Quarter 1 | Quarterly average last 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Stage 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Local Government Ombudsman and Social Care Ombudsman | 0 | 1.5 |
| Outcome of complaint | At quarter 1 |
|---|---|
| Upheld | 1 |
| Partially upheld | 1 |
| Not upheld | 5 |
Learning from complaints
The process to report on volumes, learning points and remedies for complaints across the council is being developed following the launch of the new complaints management system in March 2025.
The framework for the development of new projects uses continuous improvement and learning through feedback to deliver changes and improvements. We are planning targeted improvements based on user feedback to deliver reporting changes. These will be reviewed and developed over a period of time, making sure that we move towards a fully integrated system in a sustainable way.
Complaint outcomes: council wide, all stages
In quarter 1 2025 to 2026, of the 78 complaints that concluded across all complaint stages and all council services, 49% were not upheld (38 complaints), 29% were partially upheld (23 complaints) and 22% were upheld (17 complaints). This compares with 50% not upheld, 36% partially upheld and 14% upheld across all complaint stages and all council services over the year 2024 to 2025.
Quarter 1 result for 2025 to 2026.
Complaint outcomes: by area, all stages
Quarter 1 result for 2025 to 2026.
Early help and Communities and Resources did not have any upheld complaints in quarter 1. The number of partially upheld complaints in these areas was 2 in each, representing 25% and 22% of complaints in each area respectively.
The remaining areas had upheld complaints as well as partially upheld, as follows:
Education and learning:
- 11 partially upheld complaints (38%)
- 11 upheld complaints (38%)
- 7 complaints not upheld (24%)
Children’s social care:
- 3 partially upheld complaints (23%)
- 3 upheld complaints (23%)
- 7 complaints not upheld (54%)
Adults’ social care:
- 3 partially upheld complaints (43%)
- 1 upheld complaint (14%)
- 3 complaints not upheld (43%)
Communities:
- 1 partially upheld complaint (20%)
- 1 upheld complaint (20%)
- 3 complaints not upheld (60%)
Place:
- 1 partially upheld complaint (14%)
- 1 upheld complaint (14%)
- 5 complaints not upheld (72%)
In quarter 1, the upheld and partially upheld complaints were mostly related to overall quality of service and communication. However, the detailed learning of each complaint is very varied and the broad categories do not, in themselves, highlight broad issues.
Services have looked at the detailed learning from each complaint to take relevant actions.
Examples of learning and improvement actions as a result of upheld or partially upheld complaints in this quarter include:
| Area | Complaint | Outcome | Learning | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education and learning | Failed to send decision letter following the annual review of an education, health and care plan. | Upheld | Better communication and timeliness following annual reviews, particularly where there are other factors impacting the team’s ability to meet timescales. | Recruitment within the service is underway. A plan is being developed to manage outstanding annual reviews. Plan will be implemented Sept 2025. |
| Children’s social care | Delay by social worker in responding to parents when awaiting Single Assessment. | Upheld | To make sure amendments to Single Assessments which incorporate parents’ views are carried out in a timely manner. | Staff issue addressed and all social work staff have been reminded of the process and timescales for incorporating parental feedback. |
| Adults’ social care | Resident’s frustration over repeated attempts to obtain adaptations. | Partially upheld – other elements of the complaint were not upheld | Better communication to be implemented into all the teams. | Addressed in 1:1 supervision about timely responses to enquiries. Ongoing work with resident as to how personal care can be met. |
| Early help and communities | The level of personalisation of communications during transitional period to implement new housing allocations policy. | Partially upheld – other elements of the complaint were not upheld | Make sure that we communicate changes and improvements in a clear and transparent way so that residents are informed about the steps being taken and any progress made. | Make sure email auto-reply is updated to reflect latest position during transition. |
| Communities | Dissatisfaction with new approach to providing a council service. | Partially upheld - other elements of the complaint were not upheld | Improvements to customer experience have been identified. | The improvements have been included in the system review, so they are developed in a sustainable way. |
| Place | Delays in responding to an enquiry about traffic calming measures. | Partially upheld – other elements of the complaint were not upheld | Enquiry was not allocated to the correct team. | Process to direct correspondence has been revised to make sure relevant notes are made and the responsible officer is aware. |
Strategic risks and audits
The Strategic Risk Register was reviewed 4 times by the Strategic Risk Management Group (SRMG), twice by the Corporate Management Team (CMT) and once by the Governance and Audit Committee during 2024 to 2025. The Strategic Risk Register was last reviewed by SRMG in May 2025.
Details on all audit recommendations are included in the Head of Audit and Risk Management's Annual Report on 18 June 2025 (PDF, 281KB).