Agenda item

To give an update on the learning & development provision for Councillors and highlight some obstacles to delivering the programme

To accept the report, noting the observations submitted.

The report on the Learning and Development provision and the training opportunities available to Members, was submitted. It was noted that the report was slightly different this time to highlight the challenges associated with delivering the programme.

Reference was made to the consultation process with Heads and Officers which was already in the pipeline to create the 2024/25 training programme. It was noted that those elements of the 2024/25 programme which had already been populated, could be seen in the report. It was reported that the service was receiving many requests for new training and were attempting to prioritise them. The previous comments made by some Members that the programme had developed to be a heavy programme in terms of its content, were reflected upon.

It was highlighted that key titles identified as core fields were listed in the report. It was emphasised that it was essential for Members to complete these, and it was noted that many had not completed the titles. Attention was drawn to the figures in the table in part 2.4 of the report.

It was added that some of the core titles had been running for some time and that the numbers attending the sessions were problematic. It was noted that holding half-empty training sessions, in terms of attendance, did not provide the best value for money and led to having to re-conduct the same training many times. It was noted that this hindered officers' ability to move forward with the broader training programme since the core titles would need to be re-visited in 2024/25. Concern was highlighted that the Members who had not attended the core training did not have the background or required knowledge for their role.

During the discussion the following observations were made:

-        Praise was expressed for the high quality of training, noting that it was useful, and gratitude was expressed for the work of the Learning and Development service.

-        Concern and disappointment was expressed as so many Members had not attended the core training and it was asked what steps were in the pipeline to ensure that everyone attended the mandatory titles.

-        Enquiries were made about a forward plan and whether it could be circulated. It was believed that obtaining a forward plan of the dates would benefit Members so that they could plan and leave time free for the various headings.

-        It was acknowledged that it was difficult to attend training due to Members' time constraints since some had full calendars, and many had other responsibilities such as a career or children. Gratitude was expressed for the steps already taken to improve the number of attendees. 

-        Enquiries were made on the possibility of watching recorded sessions and whether Members could do so in their own time. It was asked whether this would count as if they had attended the session.

-        A suggestion was made to contact the Political Group Leaders so that they could draw attention to the matter formally within the Groups and highlight the most essential training. It was reiterated that there was now a responsibility on Group Leaders to ensure that Members attended training.

-        The need for Members to re-do training if it had already been completed, e.g., during the previous Council (2017-22), or via another organisation, was questioned.

-        It was highlighted that many sessions were cancelled due to lack of numbers or sickness, and some had not been rearranged. Particular reference was made to the sessions with Welsh Women's Aid, which was cancelled on 9 February.^⁠ ⁠

In response to the observations:

-        It was reported that the service had been focusing on reminding Members about the need to attend core titles and re-offer sessions, as well as offer sessions at different times, e.g., in the evening. In addition, it was noted that the Member Development Officer targeted individuals who did not attend and reminded them. Further suggestions from the Members were welcomed.

-        It was noted that extensive information about the titles could be found on the Members' Intranet and that a lot of information was being shared in the Members Bulletin every week, as well as a link to the Intranet. It was highlighted that a copy of the forward plan could be seen on the Members' Intranet. It was added that efforts had been made to avoid clashes between training days and the Council's Committees.

-        It was noted that recordings of some training sessions were uploaded on the Members' Intranet. Members were asked to contact the Member Development Officer to confirm after watching a recording, otherwise the service would not be aware of this.

-        It was agreed that the service contact the Political Group Leaders as soon as possible so that they encourage Members to attend core titles.

-        It was noted that there were often updates in titles, such as the Code of Conduct and Safe Leadership and Personal Safety, therefore Members were encouraged to re-attend if it was timely for them to do so.

-        It was confirmed that a further session with Welsh Women's Aid would be rearranged in April, and a new date would be proposed as soon as possible.