The Head of Democratic Services presented a report, the purpose of which, was to update the Committee on the performance of services provided to Elected Members.

The report covered the undermentioned service areas, which the Head of Democratic Services expanded upon as well as picking out the salient points to share with Members, which included the percentage of Members attendance at these events:-

• Number Member Referrals (1 July – 30 September 2017);
• Member Development Induction/Programme activities (since the local Elections);
• Member Workshops;
• Pre-Council Briefings;

The report confirmed that individual ICT training had also been provided to those Members that had requested this.

Attached to the report at Appendix 1, was a draft Member Development Programme. This identified the Member Development sessions scheduled for delivery this year.

Paragraph 4.2.6 of the report then detailed topics planned for inclusion in the Member Development Programme, whilst paragraph 4.2.7 listed items for possible consideration for inclusion in the Member Development Programme.

In respect of the former, Members felt that the item with regard to Member Mentoring Training should be brought forward from April 2018 to next month or early 2018.

In relation to the items suggested for the Member Development Programme, Committee was of the opinion that the three sessions relating to Autism could be merged into one larger session.

The Head of Democratic Services advised that Members could prioritise these in terms of them being scheduled in the coming months, as soon as they received further information on the topics, as well as deciding what items should be rolled over to April 2018 – March 2019. A Member thought that it would be beneficial if an item on an ‘Introduction to Welfare Benefits’ could be added to the future Member Development Programme, and Members agreed to this.

The Head of Democratic Services added that some Member training/development sessions could be included as part of “Round Robin” events.

The next part of the report included suggested e:learning topics for inclusion in the Member Development Programme, as well as any such topics that may be considered suitable on the Learning and Development or AWA website.

Paragraph 4.2.11 of the report then contained topics planned for up and coming pre-Council briefings, and Members considered that MP’s should be lobbied on the item in respect of Universal Credit, as this was an extremely important topic that would affect constituents considerably. A Member was of the opinion that an item should be added to this schedule on the subject of Valleys 2 Coast, in order that the new Chief Executive of this organisation could be invited and be introduced to Members.

Paragraph 4.2.13 of the report then highlighted areas of Planning where there would be training for Development Control Committee Members, though it was pointed out, that all Members could attend these training sessions should they so wish.

The next section of the report gave details regarding the webcasting of Committee meetings, and the Head of Democratic Services confirmed that it was planned that around 10 Committee meetings per year be webcast.

The remainder of the report gave information on the subjects of I-Call and Internal Audit – New Member Support.

RESOLVED:              That the Democratic Service Committee accepted and noted the report, subject to its comments and observations detailed above.