Agenda item

Mari Edwards, Learning and Development Manager and Cara Williams, Member Development Officer to present report.

To accept the report.

The report was presented by the Learning and Development Manager. An overview of the department's priorities was given as it continued to respond to the outcomes of the Learning and Development Needs questionnaire. It was explained that the latest training programme was available to Members and continuously evolved. It was confirmed that the programme would be updated as necessary through consultation with Heads of Departments and Officers as well as the inclusion of titles at the request of Members. Suggestions for additional training needs at the request of Members would be welcomed in the form of a questionnaire or via the Members Development Officer. It was confirmed that the department would be appointing a new Members Development Officer shortly.

The Eight Core Areas that had been identified for Members were discussed in detail. It was explained that the core courses provision was available online for Members to access at their convenience and Members were welcome to get in touch at any time if there were problems. It was noted that 12 Members had completed all training courses, and it was confirmed that six Members had not completed any of the modules. Disappointment was expressed that six Members had not completed any of the training, especially the Code of Conduct field. The importance of completing the core courses was emphasised, as these were vital to their role as Councillors. There had been a particular emphasis on the importance of the Code of Conduct, Corporate Parenting and Violence Against Women courses.

In response to the concerns, it was confirmed that there was constant encouragement for Members to complete core training, including regular reminders from the Members Development Officer. It was noted that the Leaders of the political groups encouraged and reminded Members to complete the training regularly in group meetings. It was elaborated that the provision of the courses by the Learning and Development service was accessible as they were available online for completion at any time. Consideration was given to adapting the title of the core fields to indicate that they were mandatory fields to encourage more Members to complete them. It was explained that the number of courses completed by Members was now public information on the Council's website.

It was noted that various personal development courses were now available to all members, which gave them an opportunity to reflect on their role and consider any areas of interest they would like to develop. It was noted that it was possible to formulate a Personal Development Programme to meet their needs. It was explained that several cabinet members had attended these and that they were now available to all Members.

The development of Operation Ford by North Wales Police which was delivered through the Defending Democracy Policing Protocol, was focused upon. It was noted that safety briefings were available to Members, which provided advice on personal safety. Further sessions were offered to Members before the end of the year and Members were encouraged to contact the service to indicate what date was convenient for them to complete the training.

The report was appreciated, and staff were thanked for their work in putting the resources together. The development of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence course was praised, noting that it was a very valuable course.

It was mentioned that Training for Mentors was a new offer in the pipeline which was currently being developed. It was noted that the intention of the offer was to support the work of Members by encouraging Members to become Mentors or to identify Members who would benefit from being mentored. It was stated that the aim was to develop the plan by the 2027 Elections period, to assist newly-elected Members.

Decision:

To accept the report.