Issue - meetings

The Head of Policy and Communications presented the report on Member Training.

The Committee was asked to identify any professional development or training needs to be put forward for the Member Development Plan. 

During the ensuing discussion the Committee identified the following training/development needs:-

·  Pre-determination Guidance for all Members (not just Planning Committee)

·  A tour of Maidstone House should be included as part of the New Member Induction Programme

·  Guidance on Committee Procedural Rules incorporating a mock Committee meeting

·  Speed Reading

The Committee also asked that the following issues could be taken into account:-

·  That the Member Briefings/Workshops should be advertised to Members at least a month in advance.

·  That the Briefings should include a variety of presentational tools to keep the audience stimulated.

·  That Members should be given up to date staffing structures with contact telephone numbers.

·  That Members should receive updates on the homelessness situation.

·  That Member Briefings should be held on the impact of various rulings from central government.

·  That Group Leaders should also be asked for their suggestions on Member Development.

The Committee noted that the suggestions would form part of a full report to the Committee in July.

RESOLVED:  That Officers produce a full report to the Committee in July 2017 on how best to involve Councillors in next year’s member training programme incorporating the suggestions made at the meeting.

Voting:  For:  9  Against:  0  Abstentions:  0