Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Y Gagen.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, the Commission noted the termination of Councillors G Dowling and A Owens and the appointment of Councillors G Johnson and V Cummins for this meeting only, thereby giving effect to the wishes of the Political Groups.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on 7 October 2021.

AGREED:      That the notes of the previous meeting held on 7 October 2021 were received as a correct record.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, which provided an update on Training and Briefings undertaken since September 2021.

In discussion, the Chairman informed that she had attended the Post COP26 Briefing and Powering our Communities Fund, as a Member of Burscough Town Council, and suggested how it may be useful to liaise with the Parish/Town Councils in respect of arranging future training events.  It was also noted that some training may be duplicated for Members, in respect of their Membership with LCC/ WLBC/ Parishes.

Members also felt that encouragement and reminders be given to Members in respect of partaking in all aspects of training. 

The Chair asked Members of the Commission for their preferred system of medium in 'attending' training sessions, either virtually, face to face or hybrid.  Members gave feedback that it is easier/convenient to attend 'virtually' on line, although hybrid would provide greater flexibility.  It was also suggested that future training sessions could possibly be recorded to enable Members to 'catch up' at a suitable time.

The Chairman requested a report be presented to the next meeting in respect of Members preferred system of medium for training sessions are held and what methods would be most suitable for the various training sessions being held.

The Chairman thanked Member Services for maintaining training throughout difficult circumstances during Covid.

AGREED:

A.              That the update be noted.

B.              That a report be presented to the next meeting of the Commission, in respect of Members preferred system of the medium for training sessions are held and what methods would be most suitable for the various training sessions being held.

In discussion, the topic of mental health and wellbeing was raised.  This has been brought to the fore even more so since the Covid Pandemic and the pressures that most have faced in different ways.

A question was raised if there is any provision, resources or signposting in respect of mental health and wellbeing for Members.

The Member Services Officer informed that E-merge contains useful resources, and that we also have 'mental health first aiders' for staff but would endeavour to find out if this was available also to Members along with any other resource that may be helpful.

AGREED:      That mental health and wellbeing resources and signposting available be circulated to Members.

·       ICT-MS365 Rollout-MFA Registration and support for Members – Wednesday 9 March and Wednesday 23 March 2022 – 6.00pm via MS Teams

·       Local Authority Roadshow - United Utilities – March/April 2022 (tbc)

·       Risk Management Training – April 2022 (tbc)

·       Code of Conduct – to be advised

·       New Member Induction – Thursday 12 May 2022

·       Planning Training – Thursday 19 May 2022

·       Licensing Training – Wednesday 22 June 2022

·       Scrutiny Training – June 2022 (tbc)

·       Social Value in Procurement – Tuesday 14 June 2022

·       Coercive Control Training To be implemented on Emerge -June 2022 (tbc)

·       Antisemitism Training – to be advised

In discussion comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Code of Conduct training – Case Studies - include behaviour / comfortable working environment for all

·         ICT /Egress/ access to 'Part 2' Papers – Instructions in written format?

The Democratic Services Manager explained that instructions and training on Egress has been circulated and provided to Members.  She informed that Susanna Crowe will assist Members if they have any issues in respect of this.  She also advised that Member Services are available each day in the Office should they require assistance with Modgov or access to 'Part 2'.

AGREED: That the training/briefings listed below be noted.

• ICT-MS365 Rollout-MFA Registration and support for Members – Wednesday 9 March and Wednesday 23 March 2022 – 6.00pm via MS Teams
• Local Authority Roadshow - United Utilities – March/April 2022 (tbc)
• Risk Management Training – April 2022 (tbc)
• Code of Conduct – to be advised
• New Member Induction – Thursday 12 May 2022
• Planning Training – Thursday 19 May 2022
• Licensing Training – Wednesday 22 June 2022
• Scrutiny Training – June 2022 (tbc)
• Social Value in Procurement – Tuesday 14 June 2022
• Coercive Control Training To be implemented on Emerge -June 2022 (tbc)
• Antisemitism Training – to be advised

To consider the Work Programme of the Commission and to note the future meeting dates, 22 September 2022 – 6.00pm and 2 March 2023 – 6.00pm.

The Chairman raised concerns in respect of the 'Training Needs Assessment' form that new Members are asked to complete following induction.  It was questioned how this is followed through with assessing their training needs and if it delivers.  It was suggested that the item 'Training Needs Assessment' be included on the future Work Programme of the Commission for feedback in respect of this.

AGREED:

A.        That the Work Programme of the Committee and dates of the next meetings to be held on 22 September 2022 and 2 March 2023 be noted.

B.        That 'Training Needs Assessment' be included on the future Work Programme of the Commission.