The Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services presented a report which advised the Committee of proposed topics and scheduling of the Elected Member Induction Programme following the Local Government Elections in 2022.

She advised that the Elected Member Learning and Development Strategy was considered by the Committee at its meeting on 25th March 2021 and the final Strategy will be presented to Council for approval in July. The Strategy identified 5 Phases of Learning and Development for Elected Members. Three of the phases covered core learning activities following election as a Councillor, these were highlighted in section 4 of the report.

The Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services stated that the WLGA had prepared a Development Framework for Councillors in Wales 2021 which outlines the knowledge and behaviours expected by Councillors in Wales. Using this Framework, they had also complied the “Framework Induction Curriculum for Candidates and New Members in Wales for the Local Elections 2022” as attached at Appendix 1. She added that to support the Induction Programme, an information pack will be provided to Members when they sign the Acceptance of Office. This will include useful information such as core policies and procedures, timetable of meetings and useful contact numbers.

The Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services added that a Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire will be compiled and distributed during December 2022 – January 2023. All Members’ responses will be analysed and, from this, the ongoing Programme will be developed and presented to the Committee.

The Committee was requested to identify any additional themes, topics, policies or activities which should be included in the Induction Programme. Following receipt of the Committee’s direction, Corporate Directors would also be requested to identify any additional topics for inclusion.

A Member stated that the support she was provided with after she was elected was lacking and it was pleasing to see that more emphasis had now been put on supporting newly elected Members. She added that as a new Councillor, she was not sure what was essential to attend and what was offered on a voluntary basis, particularly with training sessions.

The Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services advised that since virtual training had been provided, Member attendance had increased considerably as they were able to access it more easily around their other commitments. This was something that would be considered in the future in relation to training.  

A Member mentioned that many of the Councillors had previously and still struggle with the ICT equipment that they are using. He said that there was not any mention of training on this and suggested that checks were made when new Members are elected to establish if they have basic ICT skills needed to use the equipment. If not, training could be provided early on in their term.

The Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services explained that when new Members receive their ICT equipment, they will receive information and support from the ICT department as part of their induction.  The Member asked if a guide could be made available on the Councils website to allow Members to read over to gain a greater grasp of the issues.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

• Provided its views on the WLGA “Framework Induction Curriculum for Candidates and New Members in Wales for the Local Elections 2022”;

• Identified any additional activities, themes, key policies or other topics which should be included in the Induction Programme.