To approve the notes of the last meeting held on 7 January 2026 (enclosed).

The notes of the meeting held on 7 January 2026 were approved subject to some grammatical errors being amended following the meeting.

To update Members on the Member Training Budget – To follow.

The Democratic & Scrutiny Servies Officer advised that the remaining balance of £4,026 is remaining in the 2025/26 Member training budget.

Members will receive an update at the meeting.

The Chairman Cllr. Adrian Clifford thanked Cllr. Luke Cousin and Cllr. Jane Wolfe for piloting the modules and urged all Members to encourage their groups to complete the online training.

The following points were noted:

·         The Steering Group will assess module completion in June 2026

·         Automatic reminders will be sent by Skillgate providing a ‘nudge’ for Members to complete outstanding modules.

·         An email to be sent to all Members in May 2026 to contact Officers if they need assistance in completing modules, reminding them that:

o   Modules are accessible on your phone

o   Can complete the modules anytime and on the go, with progress being saved

·         If take-up is low, then Officers will consider holding drop-in sessions in June 2026 where Members may wish to work together to in groups to complete the modules.

For Members to consider the current Member Development Programme and provide feedback on the courses delivered and proposed future training.

The Democratic & Scrutiny Services Officer (DSSO) provided an update on the latest Member Development Programme. Steering Group Members were pleased to note that the recent Chairing Skills training had received positive feedback from attendees.

When Members discussed future opportunities for training, it was suggested that officers look into modules on public speaking and handling people/diplomacy. Officers agreed to find further information on these and consider the Local Government Association training programme for opportunities.

Members discussed the possibility of working with young people and the Youth Council, it was agreed that the Chairman who is also the Youth Council Lead would approach Officers for ideas.

The Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer provided information on how the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) are inviting Councillors to share their insights and expectations about how our local democracy might change over the next five years.

A survey was shared with all Councillors which asked them to share their views on:

·         How local democracy might change

·         How they feel that we can strengthen citizen engagement in local democracy,

·         What support you would value from officers in the future.

·         Updated Member Development Programme

·         Wednesday 3 June 2026.

·         3 June 2026