Issue - meetings

To update the Committee on the Induction Process and participation.

(a)       That the induction progress report be noted;

(b)       That consideration being given to new Members attending Planning Committee as observers rather than participants and accompanying officers on site to gain an insight into their work.

The Democratic Services Manager presented a report giving an overview of the Member induction programme following the May 2017 County Council elections.

It was reported that over half of new Members had attended the training on generic topics and that some returning Members had also attended.  Attendance figures were also given for training on specific skills, including mandatory training for specific committees.

Councillor Shotton was pleased to note the involvement of a number of returning Members at the training sessions to help give advice and support those who were newly elected.

Councillors Hughes commended officers for the excellent training programme and spoke about the need for mandatory training for new Members.  The Democratic Services Manager advised that this was not an option.  In recognition of the various commitments of Members, follow-up work had taken place with some individuals who had been unable to attend the sessions.

As requested by Councillor Healey, a guidance note would be circulated to Members giving contact details for other public bodies such as North Wales Police, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board etc.

Councillor Hughes said that Members of the Planning Committee should be provided with additional training to assist them in that complex role.  Councillor Dunbar spoke in agreement.  It was noted that the training session for ‘Planning for non-Planning Members’ was to help Members in respect of applications in their wards.

Councillor Peers said that the Planning Committee could appear daunting for new Members, despite having received training.  As a possible solution, he proposed that the Planning Strategy Group be asked to consider whether in future, new Members of the Planning Committee should attend their first few meetings as an observer to help prepare them to participate at further meetings.

This was seconded by Councillor Hughes who suggested that consideration also be given to new Members being given the option to accompany Planning Officers when visiting sites to give them a better understanding of the planning process.  The Democratic Services Manager agreed to follow this up.

Following comments by Councillor Perfect, it was explained that the remit of senior officers had formed part of the ‘Introduction to Council’ training session.  A brief explanation was given on changes to Cabinet Member responsibilities which had been confirmed at the Annual General Meeting.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the induction progress report be noted;

(b)       That consideration being given to new Members attending Planning Committee as observers rather than participants and accompanying officers on site to gain an insight into their work.