Agenda item

A report by the Human Resources Development Manager.

Submitted - a report by the Human Resources Training and Development Manager (HRTDM) on training and development provision that has been offered to elected members over the last financial year.

The HRTDM reported that 37 training and development opportunities have been offered to members since April 2023, and all 35 members have attended training on the Code of Conduct. Attendances recorded for other mandatory training ranged between 34 for Cyber Security and 26 for Health and Safety.  It was highlighted that attendance figures for mandatory training had been disappointing, considering greater emphasis is placed on attending these sessions.  Concerns were expressed that non-attendance at training sessions has a knock-on effect on member development and moving the programme forward, as further training will need to be arranged, placing additional pressure on Council staff and financial resources.

The HRTDM reported that she had received a request for Well-being training to be tailored specifically to members’ needs to address areas e.g. Menopause. Following a request to the WLGA, two further modules are being offered to members i.e. Personal Safety for Councillors and Managing Abuse and Threats Online.

It was noted that Democratic Services have been consulted on a Development Plan for Group Leaders, a draft of the Plan is included in the report.  Discussions have also been conducted with external providers and other Councils on sharing good practice.

(Councillor Iorwerth Roberts joined the meeting at 10.20 am)

Members expressed concern regarding the low uptake on training.  The HRTDM reported that the timing of meetings is a matter of concern for some members, although the option to convene training sessions during the day and evening is currently available. She stated that a possible option would be to convene virtual training sessions for general training.  Recording training sessions was also discussed; this option would not be suitable for mandatory training, as confirmation of attendance is necessary.

The HRTDM reported that the aim is to publish the Elected Members’ Development Plan in September.  It will be an evolving document, which will be reviewed on a regular basis to consider the needs of elected members.

The Vice-Chair suggested that he meets with Group Leaders to discuss non-attendances at mandatory training and raise awareness of the importance of attending these sessions.  The HRTDM reported that she would be happy to share the names of those members who have not attended mandatory training with the Vice-Chair.

The Vice-Chair reported that it was generally felt that Group Leaders should undertake coaching training. The HRTDM referred to Item 3 of the report in which she states that this option would be included in the 1:1 Development Plan for Group Leaders.

The Monitoring Officer referred to mandatory training and suggested that it would be useful to know which training courses can be accessed virtually or via Learning Pool so that these sessions can be targeted for members in the first instance, with further sessions to follow.

It was confirmed by the HRTDM that the Code of Conduct training for Town and Community Councillors was being arranged via an external provider.

RESOLVED: -

•  To note the content of the report.

•  That the HR Training and Development Manager shares the names of members who have not attended mandatory training with the Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee.

•  That the Vice-Chair meets with Group Leaders to discuss non-attendance at mandatory training by members of their groups.

•  That the Standards Committee requests that Group Leaders should undertake coaching training.

Action: See Resolution above