Issue - meetings
Members' Induction Update
Meeting: 21/06/2018 - Standards Advisory Committee (Item 6)
6 Members' Induction Update PDF 85 KB
Minutes:
The Corporate Director, Governance apologised that the Head of Member Support was unable to attend the meeting and introduced the report which provided an update on the delivery of the Induction Programme for new and returning Members. The Corporate Director thanked staff involved in delivering this programme for their work and Members also thanked staff for their work facilitating member attendance. The Committee noted the following information:
· Member training had been an issue highlighted by Commissioners during their tenure at the Council.
· Attendance was highlighted at paragraph 3.4 and it was noted that turnout had been very good;
· At the time of publication, only one Member had been unable to attend training on ethics and probity.
· The programme incorporated mandatory training for quasi-judicial and regulatory committees.
· Five sessions remained to be delivered in the current post-election induction timetable.
· In the autumn it was intended to develop e-learning for Members beginning with Ethics and Probity training.
SAC noted the data reported and in discussion:
- Requested that SAC Co-optees might also attend training to support the delivery of their role. It was agreed that training dates be circulated to co-optees.
- Noted that there appeared to be disparity between compulsory and optional sessions. The Committee was informed that additional sessions for compulsory sessions would be scheduled to allow access for members who may have been unable to attend.
- Noted that any failure to attend training would be referred to the Group Whips. Additionally where Member felt that they did not require training or refresher training, this would be considered in discussion with the Monitoring Officer.
- Noted that it was intended that a Members Personal Development Plan be developed, incorporating diverse methods/styles of learning to empower Members to deliver their roles and develop their skills.
- Asked if a module on how to run a Councillor surgery could be provided. It was agreed that this matter would be referred to the Head of Member Support.
- Noted that should a shortfall be identified, an investigation will be undertaken by the Corporate Director.
RESOLVED
- That the progress of the member induction programme be noted.
- That the current completion level of statutory committee training be noted.
ACTION BY: B. McKenzie, Head of Member Support
A. Burgio, Democratic Services Officer