The Head of Democratic Services presented an update on the performance of services provided to Elected Members.

He presented an update on the number of referrals received between 1 March and 31 May 2018, with the benchmark set in November 2013 that approximately 45% of referrals were completed within the 10 day target period.   He also reported on the number of completed referrals between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018 and explained that the benchmark set in November 2013 that 90-95% of referrals should be completed within the 3 month period.  During the period, January 2018 was the only month that fell below this average with 89.05% of referrals being completed.

The Head of Democratic Services proceeded to explain the member development activities held as part of the Member Development Programme, together with a summary of attendance for each topic of the programme.   He then explained each of the topics that are scheduled on the Member Development Programme and outlined topics identified for inclusion on the Member Development Programme.

A member asked in relation to the GDPR being classified as essential for all members and what could be done if Members do not attend.  The Head of Democratic explained that although the Authority has stated that it is essential, there is no legal obligation for Members  to do so and therefore cannot be penalised for it, unless the White Paperwere to state otherwise.

He also explained the changes he has made for the next GDPR session based on the comments made by Members who attended the first session. He informed the Committee that the Principal Solicitor will also attend the session to give clarity on some of the terms in the form of Member Referrals so that Members have a clearer understanding of GDPR.

The Head of Democratic Services detailed the scheduled topics for future Pre-Council Briefings. The first topic on the list was listed as Bryntirion but should be Bryncethin would no longer be going ahead on the 18^th July as the representatives of Bryncethin Campus were unable to attend. Members agreed to reschedule the session for the 21^st November Pre Council Briefing.

Members were requested to consider scheduling Pre- Council Briefings on Community Transport on 18 July and on the Rural Development Plan on   24^th October.  The Committee also considered the need to have a Member Development Session in October for ‘How to use Bridge Maps’.

The Head of Democratic Services reported on the number e-learning modules that have been completed by Elected Members. 

To date, there has been minimal engagement with the e-learning facilities and Members were asked what they think could be done to encourage Elected Members to make greater use of the available e learning facilities. Members stated that many of them had issues with completing certain modules and that the progress bar would freeze meaning they could not complete, Members had on many occasions given up trying to complete them.

The Head of Democratic Services noted Members’ comments and stated that further support would be put in place. It was agreed that annual health checks would be suitable to ensure Members are supported effectively in their role and to ensure their devices’ have no inappropriate software.

He also explained that the Restricted App for Modern.Gov is still in the process of being implemented with ICT and that the Democratic Services Committee would keep them updated on its progress. Chrome for Business has also been planned following the Council meeting on 20^th June.

RESOLVED: That the Democratic Services Committee noted the contents of the report and confirmed the following:

Pre Council briefings:

18 July 18 – Community Transport

19 Sep 18 - Carers/Young Carers                                                                                     

24 Oct 18 - Bryncethin Campus                                                                                         

21 Nov 18 – Rural Development Plan                                                                                                                       

19 Dec 18 - Elective Home Education

Member Development Sessions:

27 June - GDPR 2                                                                                                                

11 & 31 July - Dementia Awareness                                                                                    

TBC Sep 18 - ALN and Autism Awareness                                                                       

TBC Oct 18 - Using BridgeMaps                                                                                           TBC Nov 18 - Anti Slavery/Human Trafficking/Gypsy/Travellers Update   

Members ICT Equipment:

That ICT perform annual health checks to ensure that that they were working correctly and that there was no inappropriate software installed on the equipment.

Group Leaders:

The committee requested that all group Leaders be informed of the attendance levels of member development activities.  They were also requested to strongly encourage their members to attend/complete the relevant training sessions.

E- Learning:

That Learning and Development provide information on the following:

•         How many members had starter any e-learning sessions

•         How could the logging on and use of the E-learning portal be made easier

•         What were the usual barriers to completing e-learning topics and how they could be avoided.