Agenda item

The Head of Resources was present to answer any questions or queries.

There was some concern that Members would not be able to participate at Committees if they had not completed the training first, but could take part in a Full Authority meeting which didn’t make sense, and should this rule be the subject of a committee resolution?

It was confirmed that the report should be clear and read all Authority and Committee meetings.  It was essential that all new Members completed the training to ensure they can participate fully in meetings, understand the role of the Authority and  its code of conduct and procedures, and this could not be done if a Member had not gone through the training. Members agreed that it was important that any Member that sits on the Planning Committee, must first undergo the planning training before they can participate in the Planning Committee,  to ensure that the right issues are addressed when reviewing a planning application.

The Officer informed Members that the Training Development Framework was approved at the Authority Meeting on the 26 July 2024, to ensure that the Authority is following best practice and making robust decisions at all committees.

It was noted that for new Members the training is very useful  and important and helps Members to understand how they contribute and what the boundaries are.  Being a Member on the Authority is a privileged position so it is important that all Members are trained to ensure correct decision  making.

The CEO reported that he had recently had a call with East Midlands Councils (EMC) where this item was discussed.  The EMC are keen on all newly elected Councillors to complete the  training which only takes half a day to complete, before they start making decisions, so he supported the training being compulsory for the Full Authority as well as Committees, because the Members are making important decisions.

Members asked that where a date of a meeting  has changed and a Member then cannot attend as they have already arranged other things, then this did not count and show as a non attendance as it was not the fault of the Member.  The Authority Solicitor & Monitoring Officer confirmed that it has been agreed that the Authority would provide two sets of training statistics for Members, one of which would explain those meetings that were not scheduled so it was clear.

Members asked whether it was possible for the Member computer training to be added to a future Forum agenda?  The Chair confirmed that he would discuss this with the CEO and Officers to see if this was possible.

The recommendations as set out in the report was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.     The 2025-26 programme of Member training and development events, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, is approved.

2.     To confirm that in person attendance at training and development events are approved duties for the payment of travel and subsistence allowances as set out in Schedule 2 of the Members’ Allowances Scheme.