Agenda item

Report of the Democratic Services Manager

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report, which was then discussed by Members, who raised the following points: that First Aid (including CPR, defibrillator use) training for Councillors be considered, and potentially supplied in-house; and that the potential for Councillors to attend Lancashire County Council ‘bite-size’ courses be investigated.

The Democratic Services Manager explained that new a zero/outcome based budgeting system was being introduced, replacing the previous incremental increases to the budget. However, the amount spent on member development varied from year to year, being highest in the induction year but then tapering off by the fourth year. Interest from Councillors, and their requirements, could also vary. The Democratic Services Manager reported that whilst there were moves toward more e-learning / on-line training, there was also an awareness of some Councillors still requiring support with more basic IT.

It was noted that there was a need for a realistic budget, which addressed the needs identified. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor John Reynolds and seconded by Councillor Geoff Knight:

“That there be a two tier level of amounts that can be spent on events (depending on role) of up to £500 for Chairs of Committees or Cabinet members, and up to £300 for all other Members;

That a Training Request form be created, with applications to be forwarded via group leaders to the Democratic Services Manager;

That the evaluation form be expanded – especially under the ‘relevance / objectives met’ heading, with room to write details rather than being just a tickbox, and it be linked to the objectives expected from the application / Training Request form (e.g. what benefits to Council / taxpayers have been achieved by attending this course / conference, and spending this money?).

That the title “Head of Democratic Services” be replaced with “Democratic Services Manager” where appropriate along with the other suggested sensible tidying up of wording / changes.”

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposition, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to be carried. It was the agreed that the Democratic Services Manager would revise / create the forms and circulate to the Committee by email.

Resolved:

(1)       That there be a two tier level of amounts that can be spent on events (depending on role) of up to £500 for Chairs of Committees or Cabinet members, and up to £300 for all other Members;

(2)       That a Training Request form be created, with applications to be forwarded via group leaders to the Democratic Services Manager;

(3)       That the conference/seminar evaluation form be expanded – especially under the ‘relevance / objectives met’ heading, with room to write details rather than being just a tickbox, and it be linked to the objectives expected from the application / Training Request form (e.g. what benefits to Council / taxpayers have been achieved by attending this course / conference, and spending this money?);

(4)       That the title “Head of Democratic Services” be replaced with “Democratic Services Manager” where appropriate along with the other suggested sensible tidying up of wording / changes.