To approve the notes of the meeting held on 23 July 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2024, as circulated, were approved as a correct record.

To discuss future Planning Masterclasses with the Development Services Manager.

The Chairman, Cllr. Adrian Clifford welcomed the Development Strategy Manager (DSM) to the meeting. The DSM provided a general update on Planning Masterclasses, including previous Masterclass subjects,  such as Highways, Sustainability and Section 106.

Following a discussion on the format and attendance levels at Masterclasses it was agreed that sessions be recorded and circulated to all Members.

It was agreed that the Planning Code of Good Practice be circulated to Members and that the following Masterclasses be arranged before the next Annual Council meeting:

·           Section 106

·           Highways

·           Material Considerations

·           Developer Contributions

The DSM urged Members that the Planning Department are always available to support Members with any queries.

To consider a progress update on the Councillor Development Reviews (CDR’s). The proposed Member Development Programme will be circulated separately. (To follow)

The DSO provided a progress update on the Councillor Development Reviews (CDR’s). The DSO explained that a total of 30 out of 36 CDR’s were completed, with the addition of 6 new CDR forms received since the last meeting on Tuesday 23 July 2024.

The DSO updated Members on their identified training and development needs which had been updated with the information provided on the latest CDR’s. The DSO informed Members that the key themes have broadly remained the same and provided a summary of each identified training need, highlighting previous training on each topic with further actions to be taken. Where training has already been held recently, it was agreed that the materials would be provided for all Members to refer to.

The DSO presented the new Member Development Programme for 2024/2025.

For Members to review the completion rates of the Mandatory Online Learning Modules.

The DSO reminded members that at the last MDSG meeting Members agreed that a deadline of the 30th September 2024 be set for the completion of Mandatory Online Modules. A reminder email was sent to Members on 5th August 2024 with login information and instructions to assist members. The DSO confirmed that completion rates now stand at 29 for GDPR & Data Protection and 28 completions for the Safeguarding Module.

Members that have outstanding modules will be reported to the group Whips and the Monitoring Officer.

For Members to review the proposed ‘Member Development Update’ which will be presented to the full Council meeting on Tuesday 19 November 2024.

The Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer presented the Member Development Update to Council and asked Members for comment.

Cllr Luke Cousin asked that the percentage of Members completing the Councillor Development Reviews be included. This was supported and agreed at the meeting.

For Members to consider:

1)    A new format of the weekly bulletin

2)    Suggesting a name for the bulletin

Democratic Services will present the new format at the meeting.

The DSO presented Members with the new Weekly Newsletter which replaces the Members Weekly Meetings Diary. This newsletter includes a weekly update from Democratic Services, useful links for Members and upcoming Scrutiny meetings and training sessions.

The DSO welcomed Members feedback, including name suggestions for this new weekly communication. Members discussed the following:

·           Discussion on when newsletter is circulated to Members – e.g Thursday.

·           Add a contents age with quick links at the top of newsletter to enable Members to find information quickly.

·           Add a focus piece on topics.

·           Make the monthly calendar a rolling calendar (e.g monthly).

·           Change the covering photo to the council offices.

·           Whether any data could be provided on how many have read the newsletter.

·           Ask members for suggestions for name in the first newsletter.

Members are asked to consider the recent evaluation feedback, including the Value for Money and Return on Investment (enclosed).

The DSO updated Members on the evaluation feedback from recent courses, which was summarised up to the Finance Without Numbers session that took place on Thursday 19 September 2024. An update was provided on the Value for Money (VfM) and Return on Investment scores for each session.

Cllr. Luke Cousin suggested that a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating system be added to the scores to make it more visible to Members whether or not sessions had achieved Value for Money.

The Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer updated Members on the training budget.

Members requested that a training session on either Chairing Skills, or effective casework be arranged to ensure that the budget has been used before the end of the financial year.

·         Members to approach their own groups for items for the next agenda.

·         4 December 2024.

·         Wednesday 4 December 2024.