Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17^th December, 2009 were agreed as a correct record.

Councillor Smith referred to Minute No. 33 (Media Training – Feedback) and asked when the update report would be submitted to this Panel.

This was noted and would be included on the agenda for the next meeting.

Sioned-Mair Richards, Scrutiny Adviser, welcomed ideas from Elected Members to assist with the 2010 induction process for new Councillors and asked if this should be over the two week period following election or a longer term.

Discussion ensued on the induction process and it was unanimous that this should continue over the two week period following the election to assist with new Councillors’ integration and understanding of how the Council worked.

It was also suggested that the induction process focus on safeguarding and corporate parenting, with some insight into the role of a Cabinet Member.  Councillor St. John was happy to be involved.

Sioned-Mair Richards, Scrutiny Adviser, reported on the background to the “Be a Councillor” DVD and the script that had been agreed.

Following the presentation of this Panel’s previous minutes to Cabinet on Wednesday, 20^th January, 2010, Cabinet Members expressed some concern about the impact this DVD may have leading up to the forthcoming election.    It was, therefore, suggested that the release date of the DVD be delayed and that this be incorporated into the induction process to provide some insight into the work of Elected Members.

On completion of this DVD further editions were proposed showing some insight into the roles of a Member of Parliament, the Mayor and Parish Councillors.

Discussion ensued on the target audience for the DVD and how widely it would be disseminated.  It was suggested that this be subject to further discussion once the DVD had been completed.

Sioned-Mair Richards, Scrutiny Adviser, reported on the plans for further training, which were subject to a further meeting regarding the details.

Discussion ensued on the content of the training, target audience, the barriers to overcome and how the subject matter was to be delivered for specific areas.

Further information was to be provided in due course.

Sioned-Mair Richards, Scrutiny Adviser, presented the report of the I&DeA Local Political Leadership Conference 2009 “The Councillor of the 21st Century” attended by Councillors Austen and Sharman on the 5th November, 2009.

The report provided some insight into the workshops available and their content.

Discussion ensued on the access to information by Members via officers and the difficulties facing some Members locating specific services within Departments.  It was suggested that some form of chart be made available showing static officers and their contact details.

Councillor Austen welcomed the opportunity to present this report and referred to the Post Graduate Certificate in Local Governance for Councillors and Representatives she had been pursuing through the University of Huddersfield.  Councillor Austen explained that she was now considering continuing with the Post Graduate Diploma this year and asked permission to pursue primary research through this Council into participatory budgeting from a political and financial dimension by way of in-depth interviews.

Councillor Boyes had also contacted the Scrutiny Team regarding the launch of the new Council website and asked if anyone had found access more difficult.  She welcomed any further information.

Agreed:-  That Councillor Austen be supported in her work towards the Post Graduate Diploma.

Agreed:- That the next meeting of the Members’ Training and Development Panel take place on Thursday, 18^th February, 2010 at 2.00 p.m.