Agenda item

The Business Centre Manager presented the report.

·       The application was submitted by the deadline od 12^th September 2025.  Not yet had a response from DEFRA.

·       The selection process was discussed.

·       The main intention of the programme is to bring diversity to the Board.

·       It was noted that the Boardroom Buddy was a very valuable resource.

·       The programme included 7 days of comprehensive training.

·       Members suggested that the Boardroom Apprentice should not be limited to attending the Resources and Authority Committee but should be able to attend the Planning Committee twice a year as an observer and also invited to the Planning Training to increase their knowledge. 

·       The costs of this programme to the Authority were discussed.

·       If a new Boardroom Apprentice is recruited to the PDNPA then a new Boardroom Buddy with experience would be needed from the current Members.

The recommendations, with an amendment to include the provision to attend 2 planning committee meetings per year as an observer, were moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the application to become a Host Board for a Boardroom Apprentice for 2026 is agreed.

2.     That it is agreed to support any matched Apprentice by inviting them to attend meetings of the Authority and the Resources Committee as a non-voting member.  This is subject to satisfactory completion of the Memorandum of Understanding, signing up to the Members Code of Conduct, signing a non-disclosure agreement, compliance with Standing Orders and completion of a register of interests.

3.     That the Apprentice be invited to attend 2 meetings per year of the Planning Committee as a non-voting member along with the option to attend the Planning Training.

4.     That a Member is selected as a Boardroom Buddy to mentor any matched Apprentice.

5.     That any matched Apprentice would be eligible to claim for the payment of travel and subsistence allowances as set out in Schedule 2 of the Members’ Allowances Scheme when attending meetings of the Authority, Resources Committee and any training or other events as necessary is agreed.