Agenda item
Members' Induction 2014
To note the information contained in the report and comment on the future learning and development programme.
Minutes:
Beverley McKenzie (Members Support Manager) introduced and summarised key points in the report which provided the SAC with information on:-
· Development and implementation of the Members’ Induction programme (MIP) and evaluation thereof.
· The ongoing Members’ Learning and Development Programme
Points highlighted by Beverley McKenzie included:-
· The methodology used to assess the Members’ Induction Programme and poor Member response.
· Member Induction had covered the completion of Member timesheets.
· The second phase of MIP to equip Members with a better understanding of the Council and their roles was underway with topical seminars such as the Care Act.
A discussion followed which focused on the following points:-
· The Chair thanked Ms McKenzie for the report which had provided comfort in relation to the existence of a structured MIP and of mandatory training elements.
· A Member commented that some elements of useful training had been missing from the MIP such as planning/ development related training. The Chair, and other co-opted SAC members, also commented that, as Co-opted SAC members, they had not been aware of the MIP training session on “Ethics and Standards” which would have been helpful to undertake their role. Additionally because the Chair had not been informed of, or invited to the MIP training session, SAC input that might have added value to the session was not available. SAC members suggested that in future the SAC Chair be invited to this MIP training session. [Action BM]
· Clarification was sought and given as to attendance at mandatory MIP training sessions and the definition of mandatory. These sessions were well attended but not fully attended. There was no sanction for non-attendance and Officers were intending to reschedule some sessions and encourage attendance. Meic Sullivan-Gould commented that some training was a pre-condition of sitting on a quasi-judicial committee such as Development Committee of Licensing Committee; otherwise training requirements labelled as mandatory by the authority were difficult to enforce.
· Noting the Officer response, the Chair commented that he considered that SAC had a role to play in encouraging reluctant trainees as this was an important matter. He requested a report on Members that had not attended after mandatory MIP sessions had been run several times and suggested that upon its presentation the SAC should consider writing to offending Members. [Action BM] It was clarified that Member attendance at training sessions was published on the Authority’s website. Beverley McKenzie commented that significant Officer time was invested on Member seminars as Officers and the Corporate Management Team considered it important for Members to be informed about the functions/ subjects covered, however often Member attendance was very poor.
· Commented that many existing/ longstanding Members had chosen not to attend some mandatory MIP sessions after an assessment of the time commitment against the usefulness of training in the context of their experience in the context of heavy commitments; similarly with MIP sessions recommended to Members e.g. 2 hour Casework session. Accordingly consideration that a twin track approach would have been more appropriate with full training for new Members and refresher training for existing/ longstanding Members.
· Consideration that the MIP took no account of the professional knowledge and skills of Members e.g. A SAC member who was a qualified accountant had considered the mandatory MIP session on risk management personally superfluous. Accordingly consideration should be given to waivers for Members with professional qualifications or years of experience. Beverley McKenzie responded that the issue had not arisen before but would be looked at. [Action BM]
· Consideration also that, as with other employers, required training could be delivered in a more flexible way reflective of the heavy commitment of elected Members and entitlement to some private time e.g. online training, and assessment thereof or podcast training and dvd libraries. Matthew Mannion responded that LB Epping Forest was exploring online training and had suggested sharing this with other authorities and this could be followed up. [Action MM]
· A SAC member commented that the level of information at the mandatory “Setting the scene at Tower Hamlets” MIP session had been poor in the context of provision to Members in other London Boroughs such as Camden. Also the time set aside for some topics appeared imbalanced. line
· Referencing Appendix 2 to the report, clarification was sought and given as to:-
o The meaning of not applicable in relation to MIP training sessions.
o The take up of the Officer Buddy Programme.
The sessions had taken place prior to the election of the 3 Members in the Blackwall & Cubitt Town bye election or Members were invited but had not responded. The take up had been very poor for the Buddy Programme but this was probably due to mentoring within the political groups.
· Referencing para 5.2 of the report, it was requested that the guide book issued to Members be circulated to SAC members. [Action BM]
The Chair Moved and it was: -
Resolved:
1. That the information provided in the report be noted;
2. Those Officers be requested to take account of SAC member comments/ suggestions to improve future Member Induction Programmes and the Learning and Development Programme.
Action by: Beverley McKenzie (Members Support Manager)
Matthew Mannion (Committee Services Manager)
VARIATION TO ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Chair informed SAC members that, given the significant time spent on agenda items 3.1 to 3.5, he considered it appropriate that the order of business be varied to enable the SAC to next consider agenda item 3.7 “Review of Code of Conduct for Members and standards arrangements” which comprised important business needing transaction to inform reports for the next meeting, before a late hour was reached and SAC members needed to leave before contributing to the discussion. Accordingly the Chair Moved the following motion for the consideration of SAC members, and it was: -
Resolved
That the Order of Business be varied to enable the SAC to next consider agenda item 3.7 “Review of Code of Conduct for Members and standards arrangements”, and subsequently the OSC return to the order of business detailed in the agenda.
Please note that for ease of reference, SAC deliberations in respect of agenda item 3.7, and subsequent decisions taken, are set out below in the order detailed in the agenda.
Supporting documents:
- Report for SAC - Members' Induction 2014 v2 MM1310141051am, item 35. PDF 70 KB
- Appendix A Members Induction Programme 2014 BM0810141831pm, item 35. PDF 43 KB
- Appendix B - Members Attendance at Induction Events BM0810141831pm, item 35. PDF 49 KB