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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

MEMBER AND EMPLOYMENT AND development PANEL

 

4^th July 2011

 

REPORT OF head of Human Resources

 

Report prepared by Tina Edwards, Learning & Development Shared Service Manager

 

 

1.           Members Development Budget

 

1.1        Issue for Decision

 

1.1.1   To review the programme for Member Development for 2011/12 based on the arrangements agreed last year by the General Purposes Group, including additional new needs.

 

1.2        Recommendation of Head of Human Resources

 

1.2.1   That the Group agrees the recommended programme for Member Development for 2011/12.

 

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

 

1.3.1   Member Development Budget

 

1.3.2   The Head of Human Resources has delegated responsibility for    decisions relating to all corporate training both Officer and Member.

 

1.3.3   Member Learning & Development activities are planned by the Learning & Development Shared Service Manager in consultation with Members and Key Officers. Due to the nature of the council and the way that the elections take place, many of the same learning activities, including conferences need to be provided each year.

 

1.3.4   This being said there are many more learning activities that are required in line with the needs identified by Members themselves, legislation and those that arise from our commitment to partnership working and our desire to learn from each other and best practice.

 

 

 

 

The plan aims to address as many learning needs as possible, for example:

 

·         Individual skills building, e.g. IT coaching, accelerated reading

·         Legislative requirements, e.g. the impact of the new Localism Bill

·         Role related, e.g. committee specific planning, licensing and internal audit

·         Corporate requirements, e.g. understanding the priorities and how they can be delivered

·         Networking & keeping up to date, e.g. conferences and the seminar series

·         Knowledge & future focus, e.g. Leadership Academy and personal development planning

 

1.3.5   It is important that we ensure that an effective planning process is in place for all learning activities and that this planning process involves Members. With a continued commitment to provide value for money in all aspects of our work at the council it is imperative that careful thought is given to how the member budget is spent to ensure that maximum value from each activity is achieved.

 

The responsibility for ensuring value for money rests with all of us and it is vital that all learning is shared effectively with all members and disseminated widely.

 

1.3.6             Funds available for 2011/12 are £11,100.  This is required to fund all Member Development activities. Travel and food costs as agreed a number of years ago by the General Purposes Group will be funded from the member allowances budget separately.

 

1.3.7   Looking at the identified needs for Members, the draft programme for Member Development has been produced, including costs, and is set out at Appendix 1.

 

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

 

1.4.1   Book activities and events on an ‘ad hoc’ first come first served basis.

 

This is not recommended as this will eliminate the possibility for taking a ‘big picture’ view. It is necessary to take a wider view in order that we can establish which conferences/learning activities will have the biggest impact on either the effective performance of members in their role and/or the widest impact to all members.

 

This is especially important with the reduced and limited funds available. Careful thought and consideration about the activities that will have the most impact will deliver more value for money.

 

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

 

1.5.1   Corporate and Customer excellence - Better service delivery to Members as there will be clarity around what is available for development. Questions around the budget and the forecasting process can be more readily answered.

 

1.5.2   Effective use of Officer and Member time as activities can be planned well in advance and maximizing the budget that we have.

 

 

1.6        Risk Management

 

1.6.1   The council has made an ongoing commitment to provide members with the required tools and development to effectively equip them to perform in their roles. This planned approach gives reassurance that member learning needs are being identified and met. Thus resulting in better delivery of the services to constituents.

 

1.7        Other Implications

 

1.7.1    

1.      Financial	X
2.           Staffing	X
3.           Legal
4.           Equality Impact Needs Assessment
5.           Environmental/Sustainable Development
6.           Community Safety
7.           Human Rights Act
8.           Procurement
9.           Asset Management

 

 

1.7.2   Financial impact on the Member’s Budget and the forecasting for following years, creating a more efficient use of resources.

 

1.7.3   There is an impact on Officers in that they are involved in planning and designing the sessions. As much of this is repeated annually, the time spent on this each year is reduced as the bulk of the work has been done and previous materials and experience can be utilised.

 

There are also advantages in utilizing the skills and experience of officers as it builds their own skills further and helps form strong and open relationships with members. 

 

 

1.8        Relevant Documents

 

1.8.1   Appendices

 

1.8.2   Appendix 1- Members Development Budget Plan 2011/12

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?   Yes                                               No     If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?   ..     This is a Key Decision because: ..   .       Wards/Parishes affected: ..   ..