Agenda item

8.1

The Director of Legal and Governance described the progress that had taken place with Member Development at the Council and outlined the plans for its future development.

8.2

The Committee were advised that the LGA (Local Government Association) had offered one years’ worth of training and development to the Council and that the programme would run until May 2022.

8.3

Training for Members and Officers had also been provided on the introduction of Local Area Committees and the Transition to a Committee System.

8.4

Members of the Committee asked questions and the key points to note were-

8.5

The Chair suggested training on Personal Safety and Conflict Resolution for elected members be added to the programme. The Director of Legal and Governance referred to 3.6.1 in the report which highlighted that Personal Safety and Conflict Resolution along with other topics requested to be included in the programme.

8.6

The Director of Legal and Governance mentioned that Personal Safety sessions were held previously, with the help of the Police, and that this training would be looked at being brought forward. It was added that immediate advice and guidance on Personal Safety was accessible on the LGA website.

8.7

Councillor Angela Argenzio recommended the LGA safety training session to other Members.

8.8

Councillor Angela Argenzio raised concerns as the induction for new members had low attendance and asked if this was rolled out once. The Director of Legal and Governance advised that inductions for new member were scheduled once a year, usually a week after the election, and that the session was carried out over a two-day period. If a member was not able to attend the induction, they would have to complete all the elements separately. It was mentioned that the low attendance could be a result of Councillors being re-elected, although it was advised that every Councillor should attend the induction whether they are new or returning Councillors.

8.9

Councillor Angela Argenzio asked whether training sessions could be recorded and provided to members who were not able to attend a training session. The Director of Legal and Governance stated that recording training sessions was a good principle and would be looked at where possible.

8.10

The Chair requested that Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion training be made mandatory for members. The Director of Legal and Governance agreed to raise mandatory training with the Whips.

8.11

The Chair thanked the Director of Legal and Governance for the report on Member Development.

8.12

RESOLVED: that the Committee note the progress of Member Development.