Agenda item

A report by the Training Manager - Human Resources on Member training.

Submitted - a report by the Human Resources Training Manager on planned development opportunities for elected Members during 2021/22.

The HR Training Manager reported that due to the pandemic, training delivery has been limited over the past year, and Members have received training via E-Learning and briefing sessions.  

It was noted that discussions have taken place with the SLT, Heads of Service and Group Leaders on Members’ training needs, and a report was presented to the Democratic Services Committee on 16 March 2021.  The focus for training for 2021/22 will be as follows:-

•  Mandatory training

•  I-Pad Training

•  Legislative Training

•  Briefing sessions

The HR Training Manager reported that it is likely that future training/briefing delivery will continue via MS Teams, Zoom, and the Authority’s E-Learning platform, Learning Pool, which is regularly updated.  She stated that support with regard to accessing online training/general ICT issues continues to be available to Members via the Training Team.  Guidance notes and videos are also available from the Team to assist with access issues. 

The HR Training Manager reported that the Welsh Government is considering replacing the NHS platform, which the Council has adopted, with a national E-Learning platform across Wales.  If the proposed changes are implemented, training modules on the NHS platform may be transferred to the national Learning Pool, providing greater choice of training modules for elected Members.

Clarity was sought on mandatory training for Members of the Standards Committee.  The Monitoring Officer responded that training on the Code of Conduct is mandatory for all Members, and is included in the Code. 

A question was raised whether there is training provision in place for Members on the Council’s budget?  The Monitoring Officer responded that new Members will be offered training on how the Council’s finances work as part of their induction.  The HR Training Manager reported that Senior Managers of the Council will provide new Members with an overview of the Council’s work and priorities, which will be included in next year’s Member Development Programme.

Discussion focused on future training delivery for Town and Community Councillors.  The Monitoring Officer responded that One Voice Wales has provided training in the past, and are experts in the field.  She stated that following the Council elections in May 2022, training sessions will be offered to members of Town and Community Councils as part of the Standards Committee’s statutory duty.  It was confirmed that the training provider will be One Voice Wales. 

Code of Conduct training for the two newly elected County Council Members (following the by-elections in May 2021) have been arranged. These will be provided by the Monitoring Officer and Solicitor (Corporate Governance) in the next couple of weeks.

In terms of preparing for the new Council, the Head of Democratic Services reported that new Members may be elected, together with five additional Members (as the Council will have five extra seats as of May 2022).  He stated that a combination of briefing sessions will be arranged on specific training, led by Senior Officers.  The Member Development Programme will focus on providing information and support to Members following the election.  It was confirmed that a copy of the draft Programme will be made available to members of the Standards Committee before it is finalised.

RESOLVED to note the Elected Member Development Programme and associated delivery for 2021/22, as detailed in the report, and for a copy to be shared with the Standards Committee.

Action: None