Issue - items at meetings - Members Development - Update

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED –

(1)     That the Charter assessment arrangements put in place for the 25 September 2008 and the work required to be completed in time for the assessment be noted;

(2)     hat the Member Development Working Group be supported in encouraging Members to identify their learning needs, to participate in development activities that address those needs and to provide feedback to the Working Group on those activities could be improved on an ongoing basis; and

(3)     That any new areas for development in the 2008/09 Member Development Programme be identified and raised with the Working Group.

13.1         The Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance, concerning the progress towards accreditation of the South East Employer’s Charter for Member Development and on-going work in relation to Member Development (for copy see minute book).

13.2         Councillor Ken Norman introduced the report and stated that the Member Development Working Group had met regularly to review progress and consider the development needs of Members.  He believed that the Member Development Programme was working effectively and that Members were making use of the opportunities offered to them.  With regard to the Charter, he noted that arrangements had been made for the assessment to take place on the 25 September, which would include interviews with the Leader, Leader of the Opposition, a cross-party group of Members and officers.  He hoped to be in a position to report on a successful outcome at the November meeting.  He also wished to record is thanks to the officers involved in supporting Member Development.

13.3         Members of the committee welcomed the report and asked that their thanks and appreciation be reported to those officers involved in directly co-ordinating the Member Development Programme.  The Committee also noted the need to promote the development programme and opportunities for learning and thanked the Member Development Working Group for leading on the programme and working towards Charter status.

13.4         RESOLVED –

(1)     That the Charter assessment arrangements put in place for the 25 September 2008 and the work required to be completed in time for the assessment be noted;

(2)     That the Member Development Working Group be supported in encouraging Members to identify their learning needs, to participate in development activities that address those needs and to provide feedback to the Working Group on those activities could be improved on an ongoing basis; and

(3)     That any new areas for development in the 2008/09 Member Development Programme be identified and raised with the Working Group.