Agenda and minutes

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, the Commission noted the termination of Councillor Parlour and the appointment of Councillor Hogan for this meeting only, thereby giving effect to the wishes of the Political Groups.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

To note summary of events held October 2023 to present.

The Commission considered the summary of events undertaken since March 2023.

Members said that courses had been well publicised and easy to access and that the training provided on the new committee system would mean that councillors were well prepared. It was suggested that it should be revisited and that a more condensed refresher would be useful following its implementation.

AGREED: That the summary and comments be noted.

Councillors commented upon receiving repeated alerts for completed Our Learning courses. Our Learning was administered by HR not Member Services and anyone experiencing issues contact Alice Bennett alice.bennett@westlancs.gov.uk. Some external courses had zero attendance because Members focussed on what was most relevant.

To note the following future training:

5 March 2024 - Questioning skills for Scrutiny

5 March 2024 - Handling online abuse & intimidation

6-14 March 2024 - Building a digital place (6 SESSIONS)

11 March 2024 - Personal Safety - How to Stay Safe

11 March 2024 - Leading good governance and assurance

18 March 2024 - Independent Persons Workshop (Standards Committee)

27 March 2024 - Questioning Skills

24 April 2024 - The role and responsibilities of chairmen

Internal/External Audit on 'Annual Accounts' Training - Date TBC

Code of Conduct Training - Date TBC

Members noted that there was a good number of events coming up and in addition to the Questioning Skills and The role and responsibilities of chairmen sessions listed, there was a Member Oversight in a Committee System session on 13 March.

AGREED: That the upcoming training and briefings listed be noted.

To consider the Diverse Councils Declaration agreed at Full Council on 13 December 2023.

Members considered the Diverse Councils Declaration agreed at Full Council on 13 December 2023 and agreed that it was good to have policies laid out in respect of diversity.

In discussion the following feedback, comments and suggestions were raised by Members:

·       diversity ambassadors,

·       time off to have a baby or to adopt where no statutory leave,

·       whether other councils had done this and their experience,

·       making a plan for action and setting targets,

·       encouraging under-represented groups to stand for election,

·       what councillors can do in their communities,

·       provision of easily accessible information online,

·       promotion of LGA's Be A Councillor on the website,

·       remote meetings.

AGREED: That the Diverse Councils Declaration be noted.

To discuss and consider the requirements of the North West Charter for Elected Member Development.

Members noted the steps and actions required in order to achieve the requirements of the North West Charter for Elected Member Development.

To consider the Work Programme of the Commission and to note the future meeting date (TBC), 17 October 2024 at 6.00pm.

In addition to the items listed on the Work Programme, it was hoped to bring a Diversity Strategy and consideration of the New Councillor Induction to the next meeting in October 2024, and, following agreement from CMT, the Councillor Development Strategy and Programme,

AGREED: That the Work Programme be noted.