Agenda item

To provide an update about the Learning and Development provision for Members, and highlight successes, challenges and developments.

To accept the report, noting the observations submitted.

RESOLVED:

To accept the report, noting the observations submitted.

An overview of the Learning and Development Provision for Members was presented, highlighting successes, challenges and developments. It was reported that a choice of virtual and face-to-face training was offered in order to offer variety to the Members, but also to encourage less travelling.

It was added that the Learning and Development Unit would be grateful to receive comments on the provision so they could adapt and improve to try to respond to Members' requirements. It was noted that the Elected Member Development Programme was evolving, and was a combination of requests from the Council Officers and Members. The Members were encouraged to give their opinion on what they wished to see in the Programme.

During the discussion the following observations were made:

-        It was expressed that the Covid period had changed lives and that the offer of virtual training was beneficial to many as it saved travel time for Councillors and saved money for the Council.

-        The standard of the training was believed to be very good.

-        A member expressed their view that the virtual courses or training were more difficult to understand and remember compared with those that were held face-to-face where Members could discuss and talk together. The member believed that these were more effective.

-        The above opinion was reiterated, noting that face-to-face training was more interesting.

-        It was noted that it would be interesting to see a list of which training the Members had attended and were required to attend, especially with mandatory training.

-        It was reported that the Council used to offer training on how to deal with the press e.g. television or radio interviews, and this training was commended. It was asked whether something similar would be offered during the coming months.

-        Another member supported the above observation regarding the benefit of receiving training on dealing with the press as well as an element of training on public speaking. 

-        A member enquired about the procedure of providing feedback after attending training.

-        A comment was made that more training relating to Acts and the legal side would be beneficial, in order to have better clarity of these matters.

-        The Learning and Development Unit were thanked for their work.

In response to the observations:

-        It was expressed that it was important to offer a variety of virtual and face-to-face training and that the unit was attempting to strike the right balance.

-        It was noted that members could see a list of which training individual Members had attended on the Staff Development Module under My Training Record. The Member Development Officer could sent an e-mail to the Members explaining where to find this record.

-        It was reported that a training session on dealing with the press could be arranged should the Members so wish. It was added that historically, this training was offered to Cabinet Members or Chairs, but it was agreed that it should be offered more widely. It was noted that the sessions for Cabinet Members had been arranged for the beginning of 2023; the unit would discuss when would be timely to offer the training to the remaining Members.

-        The officer took the opportunity to refer to the Personal Development Review that was available to every Member which was an opportunity to have an individual conversation with the Learning and Development Unit to identify different fields, opportunities or priorities to be included in their personal development programme.

-        It was confirmed that a feedback form was sent to Members following the training.

-        It was confirmed that there was more training to come, including training relating to Acts. It was noted that the unit had focused on the mandatory training mainly since the Elections in May 2022. Softer training, for example Quick Reading would be offered over the next few years.