Agenda item

This report presents the schedule of training relating to Members’ Induction (Appendix A), feedback received (Appendix B) and how training information is received and disseminated (Appendix C).

Vernon Hitchman, Divisional Director of Legal and Democratic Services introduced the report.

The Chairman informed the Panel that Councillor Martin Veal had been invited and was present to give his views as Member Champion for Member Development.

The Panel raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Veal (Member Development Champion) stated that he felt that it should be ‘development’ rather than training. He stated that there is a budget for this and a requirement for member development in Councils to assure informed debate and decision making. He stated that member development could be ‘sold’ to members more though group leaders and political research assistants. He stated that he became a Councillor 18 years ago as a result of a by-election and had no training but that the process is much improved now.

Councillor Gerrish stated that new Councillors need training and existing Councillors need development as there are always changes in processes. He added that a benefit of training sessions is getting to know which officers to deal with on specific matters. He explained that Cabinet member briefing sessions often had disappointingly low turnout. He stated that there had been some good training sessions recently.

Councillor Roberts explained that some Councillors are in full time employment and he, for example, conducts some courses such as equalities awareness with his employer (NHS) so would not need to complete them again as a Councillor. He further explained that he often had meetings most evenings in the week for the Council so would not want to attend unnecessary or repeat training or briefing sessions. He stated that there is not enough use of e-learning in the Council and also presentations from officers can be emailed around to Councillors that cannot attend (including an officer name and contact point if needed).

Councillor Macrae agreed that there should be more e-learning and also suggested that along with training for new Councillors, there should be an informal briefing about the Panel/Committee that the Councillor sits on. He also stated that there are some wider issues such as ‘Core Strategy’ that it would be useful to have a briefing on.

Councillor Symonds stated that he was surprised by the amount of training courses offered and that this was good. He suggested a talk to new members by an experienced Councillor.

Councillor Bull noted that most of the feedback on the training courses was positive.

Councillor Bellotti, Cabinet Member for Community Resources stated that he was keen to look at the Panel comments (set out below). He added that there are a range of external courses available for specific training that officers could circulate to members. He further commented that one of the main reasons that Councillors do not attend events is because of the time of day that they are held and it is important that trainers should consider holding multiple slots.

It was RESOLVED that the Panel ask the Cabinet to take the following comments on board and that the comments also be passed on to the Divisional Director for Legal and Democratic Services:

·  There should be more involvement of political groups, group leaders and political research assistants in encouraging their Members to attend training;

·  There should be more joint sessions held with west of England authorities;

·  Members elected through by-elections should have the full induction programme;

·  There should be more use of e-learning;

·  There should be a four year programme of member development, and not just a programme related to the induction process.