Issue - meetings

(a)       That the above two topics be included in the initial member development programme for 2013/14; and

(b)       That delegated power be given to the Democracy and Governance Manager in consultation with the Committee Chair to add other topics to the initial programme where appropriate.     

The Democracy and Governance Manager introduced a report for the Committee to determine the Member Development Programme for 2013/14.  He advised that a letter had been sent to Group Leaders and their deputies asking for suggestions for topics for the 2013/14 Programme.

The Democracy and Governance Manager advised that the annual member development programme could cover both topics and skills but was not intended to cover training or briefings specifically provided for members of a particular committee or to cover training provided to members by the Council’s ICT training Staff.  .

Referring to the annual review of training and development needs which was available to all members, the Democracy and Governance Manager advised this had led to Councillor V. Gay suggesting a training course to help members create and set up their own newsletters and/or community information websites.  The Community Cohesion Officer had also indicated that he could arrange for an organisation known as “Communities 2.0” to offer training to members on iPad basics and social networking to cover the practical use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. The Democracy and Governance Manager advised that in addition to the initial programme for 2013/14 further topics could be included on the Programme during the year.    

Members welcomed the two topics which had been put forward for the 2013/14 Programme.  Councillor P.G. Heesom commented on the need for more enhanced training to specifically develop Members’ ICT abilities and enable them to keep pace with developments. 

RESOLVED: 

(a)       That the above two topics be included in the initial member development programme for 2013/14; and

(b)       That delegated power be given to the Democracy and Governance

Manager in consultation with the Committee Chair to add other topics to

the initial programme where appropriate.