Agenda item

To submit a report by the Human Resources Training Manager.

Submitted – a report by the Human Resources Training and Development Manager (HRTDM) on the elected Members Training and Development Program for 2024/25. 

The HRTDM reported that the HR Training Team have been working in collaboration with Democratic Services on the Training and Development Program, which is divided into the following headings: Mandatory training; General; Health and Wellbeing; On demand and E-Learning modules. 

The HRTDM reported that since April 2023, 39 training opportunities have been offered to elected members, 24 less than the previous year.  She stated that greater emphasis has been placed on mandatory training, resulting in a positive outcome.  It was noted that the take up on Health and Safety training has increased to 34 out of 35 this year compared to 26 last year.  Further training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is scheduled for 3 December 2024.

The HRTM reported that ICT continues to be a further priority area, with 1:1 training sessions proving very effective.  A questionnaire was shared with members following the training, but the number of responses received was disappointing.  Discussion is ongoing with Digital Communities Wales to provide further training options in this area.  The HRTDM stated that requests have been received from elected members for tailored training sessions, which will be given due consideration.  In the meantime, members will be afforded the opportunity to attend training courses on corporate matters, which are offered to staff. 

It was noted that quarterly updates on attendances at training sessions are shared with Democratic Services and Group Leaders in due course.  Recently, virtual training sessions have been introduced, together with a bilingual video on Health and Safety, which has proved to be very successful.  The HRTDM urged members of the Committee to contact her on any matters of concern or provide feedback to the HR Training Team following training sessions.

A member of the Committee expressed concern that training provision is only available through the medium of Welsh.  The member stated that as a bilingual Council, training should be provided equally in English, as not doing so breaches Human Rights.  It was noted that currently training is provided bilingually through the medium of Welsh, with an English translation service for English listeners. 

Discussion focused on the nature of the bilingual training provision.  The HRTDM responded that the option of convening English training sessions is being considered, but it is difficult in the current economic climate, as additional costs would be incurred.  Regarding ICT and more complex terms, she stated that she would pass on the member’s request to the training provider to ask for greater flexibility in translation and easier to understand wording.

The Head of Democracy highlighted that 1:1 ICT training sessions for members are convened in the member’s language of choice.  He stated that no complaints have been received to date in relation to the lack of training sessions conducted through the medium of English.  

It was suggested that this matter be discussed further in a Group Leaders meeting, and clarification be sought on the Human Rights issue.

RESOLVED that the Head of Democracy and the HR Training and Development Manager discuss this issue further, and report back to the next meeting of this Committee.