Minutes:
The Chair referred to his earlier comment regarding surveying all councillors to understand their thoughts on training, stating that this should be discussed via email by the MDSG over the coming weeks and develop a plan based on feedback for the next two years.
The Chair commented that he had received feedback that it was felt the session regarding the organisation of the Council was too rushed and that there were queries regarding what level of documentation there is available on each session to prevent members having to take copious notes.
The Chair suggested that a matrix of how different parts of the Council align with each scrutiny committee would be beneficial and to understand what other forms of income make up department budgets.
The Chair recommended that training be provided on local government finance and budget ahead of the next budget cycle. It was confirmed that a budget-setting session is booked for 5 October 2023 with the first budget to come in November.
The Chair advised that it would be beneficial for members to understand the roles of the different councils and how Dacorum relates to other government bodies.
The Chair suggested that a set of FAQs be developed on how councillors engage with the public and what questions are typically asked to allow members to better understand how the Council can better communicate with the public.
The Chair recommended that the MDSG look at learning styles and methods of delivery and he noted the benefits of blended learning. L Fowell advised that they have discussed utilising DORIS for councillors. C O'Neil added that they are also looking at any mandatory training for officers that could also be mandatory for councillors, such as fire marshal training and risk assessments.
C O'Neil advised that there is an LGA councillor hub and that councillors also have basic access to LG Inform, a local area benchmarking tool provided by the LGA, noting that they are looking to provide an instructional video as part of the councillor hub to allow councillors to look up information.
The Chair asked officers to put out a summary to members on what they are considering for training and that councillors can then note their feedback on this as well as stating their own recommendations. The Chair advised that this could then be used to create the full survey.
L Fowell confirmed that she would circulate the list of areas that officers want, to provide briefings on and that this can then be formulated into a work plan.
The Chair noted the suggestion to have regular briefings scheduled in and asked that consideration be given for the wider schedule. L Fowell confirmed that member development dates are planned for the year, though additional dates can be booked in and there is flexibility.
The Chair asked if any officer briefings are proposed for the next 3 months. L Fowell noted that dates in July and August have been requested, though these will not be possible due to the number of dates already booked in. C O'Neil noted the proposed briefing on the local cycle and walking infrastructure plan and suggested that this would need to be assessed in terms of priority and delivery. L Fowell advised that July already has a number of sessions booked in, Council will be in recess in August and that there are a significant number of committee meetings already booked in for September. L Fowell recommended that they look to hold the briefing on the local cycle and walking infrastructure plan in October, otherwise they need to look at an alternative delivery method. Cllr Barry-Mears suggested that they also look at virtual meetings. C O'Neil agreed, stating that they need to decide the aim of the training and what style of delivery is most appropriate.
C O'Neil confirmed that they would ask for more information regarding the local cycle and walking infrastructure plan briefing to understand why it needs to be provided.
L Fowell advised that they will have a set amount of member development dates alongside a number of reserve dates and look to populate these.
Cllr Barry-Mears noted that feedback was given regarding how to claim back childcare and that there was confusion regarding parking. L Fowell advised that it has been a busy period post-election and that links and information can be re-circulated. C O'Neil confirmed that there will be ICT and member support drop-in sessions for members to ask any questions. L Fowell advised that these sessions have deliberately been scheduled for September to allow members to get through their initial two months and recess. L Fowell confirmed that councillors can also email Democratic Support at any time regarding any queries.
The Chair asked if an email can be sent to all members explaining what Democratic Support does and suggested that they include a range of previous requests to help demonstrate to members that they can ask any questions. C O'Neil added that Democratic Support can also help members find the right person to contact regarding queries.
L Fowell asked the Committee if they would like to proceed with in-person meetings or to hold them via Teams. Cllr Barry-Mears suggested that meetings would work well online given the limited size of the Committee. L Fowell asked the Committee to consider, noting that they could be flexible on whether they are in-person or via Teams.
C O'Neil commented that the LGIU has opened nominations for the Councillor Awards 2023, noting that she would circulate further information and asked members to consider any colleagues that they would like to nominate. It was noted that it would be the responsibility of the person making the nomination to fill out all relevant paperwork as there is limited capacity for officers to assist with this. C O'Neil advised that this has also been raised with SLT and recommended that this also be pushed out to the public.
Cllr Douris queried how the Councillor Awards are delivered. Cllr Williams advised that it was held in Bath last year and could be viewed online. Cllr Douris stated that whilst he was in favour of councillors being recognised, they should be mindful of the public perception of councillors attending such an event. C O'Neil acknowledged the comment and stated that they should also ensure that they are recognising achievement, noting that this year's will be hosted by the City of London, and that if they do have a shortlisted candidate, then they could look to hold a local event and attend virtually.
Cllr Barry-Mears asked if training could be provided to new members regarding managing client relations and managing case files as well as managing expectations of residents. L Fowell advised that this could be included within the survey as a suggestion, noting that there is also advice on this via the LGA and they could also look at what training is already available. Cllr Barry-Mears recommended that they also look at ensuring that any training hub is accessible.
There being no further business, the meeting was formally closed.
Actions:
L Fowell to circulate email regarding member development training to check attendance.
L Fowell to circulate officer briefing proposals to members for consideration.
L Fowell and C O'Neil to circulate introduction to Democratic Support to all members.