Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor C Dereli.

Note: Councillor G Dowling informed the Commission of late arrival.

There were no substitutions.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the notes of the meeting held on 20 September 2018.

AGREED:      That the notes of the meeting held on 20 September 2018 be noted.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Members considered the report of the Borough Solicitor as contained on pages 19 to 23 of the Book of Reports which provided an update on Member training undertaken since September 2018.

AGREED:      That the update be noted.

In discussion, the Group Representatives would encourage Members to attend future training events relating to their current role and development.

It was also suggested that LGA be approached in respect of organising the future Chairing Skills Training.

AGREED:      That the feedback and comments from the Commission be noted.

To receive comments and feedback on the revised 'Councillor Identification of Training Needs' Form.

The Member Services / Civic Officer explained to Members that at the previous meeting, the Commission suggested that it would be useful to update and revise the 'Councillor Identification of Training Needs Questionnaire', in order to better assist Members with their training needs.

Comments were raised in relation to:-

·         Good variety / range of needs covered

·         Clearer of needs / priority

·         IT Training

·         Length of Service measured by Term of Office

AGREED:      A. That comments and feedback from the Commission be noted.

B. That the revised Councillor Identification of Training Needs Form be agreed for future use.

RESOLVED:   That the item raised be noted and the matter of ensuring that Members are clear on their roles, be referred to the Member Development Commission, with a view to including in the Induction process for new Members.

Consideration was given to a Councillor Call for Action item included on the Agenda of Corporate & Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 December 2018 in respect of ensuring that Members are clear on their roles.

The Member Services/Civic Officer explained to Members that a Councillor Call for Action item had been submitted to clarify the role of Members in respect of Planning and also the role of Members / Officers.  It was suggested to assist Members that the protocol be presented at future Member Inductions.

AGREED:      That the Member / Officer Protocol and the role of Members be included in the future Member Induction process.

To note future training dates:-

Audit & Governance Committee (Social Value) - 28 May 2019 – 6.00pm (Open to All Members)

Overview & Scrutiny Essentials –20 June 2019 – 6.00pm

Role of Licensing - Members Training – 25 June 2019 (date tbc)

Role of Planning - Members Training – Post Elections (date tbc)

Code of Conduct Training – Post Elections (date tbc)

Chairman Skills (date tbc)

The Member Services / Civic Officer outlined the future training dates for Members, including:-

·         Audit & Governance Committee (Social Value) – 28 May – 6.00pm

·         Overview & Scrutiny Essentials – 18 June – 6.00pm

·         Role of Licensing – 25 June – 6.00pm

·         Code of Conduct – 9 July – 6.00pm

·         Role of Planning – Date TBC

·         Chairman Skills – Date TBC

AGREED:      That the above future training arrangements be noted.

To consider the Work Programme for the Commission and note the date of the next meeting.

Members considered the Work Programme for 2019/20 and the dates of future meetings of the Commission.

AGREED:      That the Work Programme for 2019/20 and future meetings of 19 September 2019 and 12 March 2020 be confirmed.