Loading
There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
1.1 There were no apologies for absence.
2.1 The Deputy Monitoring Officer (DMO) clarified that members were not required to declare an interest in relation to the Independent Remuneration Panel (Wales) 2023 Draft Report, as the recommendation was for members ‘to note’ the draft determinations. 2.2 There were no declarations of interest.
3.1 The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as an accurate record.
4.1 The Committee noted the action sheet.
5.1 The Head of Democratic Services outlined the report, inviting the Committee to note the feedback of the Member Induction 2022 Survey and to offer views of any ongoing training needs. 5.2 In summary, Members commented as follows: · Although only 13 out of 40 Councillors responded to the survey, it was likely that those who didn’t respond were happy with the induction, as was the case with members of the Committee. · There was a requirement for refresher training as follows: - Corporate Parenting - Swoop and the Members Hub - Personal Security including ward work and surgeries - Understanding financial abbreviations · The Induction Programme offered a considerable amount of training over a short period of time, and members commented that refresher training over the five year term would be helpful, particularly for members elected in By-Elections. · Some members were currently experiencing issues with their IT equipment, particularly the tablets. 5.3 The HoDS: · noted the comments made by members and would make the necessary enquiries with regards to the requested refresher training. · Reminded the Committee of the online training modules available to all members for further training and development. · would enquire about a glossary of terms that might assist members with financial abbreviations. · Would enquire about the possibility of arranging regular IT support from SRS in the Members Room on Council Day · Would arrange for specific support for Member’s tablets. 5.4 The Committee thanked the Democratic and Member Services Team for their excellent work. Members were very happy with the Induction Programme and with the support provided by the team daily. 5.5 The Committee offered their views around ongoing training needs and agreed to note the feedback of the Member Induction 2022 Survey.
6.1 The HoDS outlined the report inviting Members to comment on the draft Member Satisfaction Survey attached at Appendix 1 to the report and suggest any changes or additions they considered appropriate. She asked Members to agree the content in advance of the survey being circulated to all Members in May this year, following one year of the term of office being completed. 6.2 Members suggested the following changes to the survey: The following question: ‘Do you feel adequately equipped to undertake your role as a councillor?’ Should specifically reference IT Equipment. The following question: ‘Overall, how well equipped do you feel to carry out your role as a member?’ Should refer specifically to Member Training and Development. The following question: ‘would you like to complete an Annual Report’ Should describe what an Annual Report is. The following question: ‘would you like to the opportunity to undertake a Personal Development Review’ Should describe what a Personal Development Review is. 6.3 The HoDS noted the suggested changes and agreed to make the amendments set out above. She provided an overview of annual reports and personal development reviews and agreed that including a brief description in the survey would be helpful, particularly to newly elected Members. 6.4 There was some discussion around the benefits of completing annual reports and personal development reviews and how social media played a significant part in promoting and/or advertising the work of local councillors. The HoDS clarified that completion of annual reports was an individual choice and was no longer mandatory. She explained that there was a template available to assist any member should they wish to complete an annual report, which would be published to the Council’s website. 6.5 The Committee considered the draft survey questions presented in Appendix One to the report and suggested the changes outlined above before agreeing that the survey be circulated to all members for completion in May 2023.
7.1 The Business & Democratic Support Services Manager outlined the report sharing with Members Torfaen’s Diversity in Democracy draft action plan, in advance of the action plan being submitted to Council for approval and implementation. He explained that several of the actions had now been completed, however, there would always be an opportunity to add to the action plan. 7.2 In summary, Members commented as follows: · With reference to engaging young people to promote voting and elections, members felt it would be useful to receive feedback directly from School Councils. · Community Councils had previously been successful in organising councils for young people. Although it was sometimes difficult to engage with young people, those that did engage were often very good. · Hybrid meetings had considerably improved accessibility of meetings for members. · An action in relation to assisting councils or candidates with disabilities should be included in the draft action plan 7.3 In response to comments made by members, the B&DSSM: · explained that the newly appointed Engagement Officer within the Elections Team had been engaging with young people and he would make some enquiries around the best way to provide feedback to Members. · recognised that there should not be barriers for disabled candidates, and he would make some enquiries in relation to any support provided to candidates during the election process for inclusion in the draft action plan. · assured the Committee that Member’s Services did their best to tailor any support as and when required by Members. 7.4 The Committee reviewed the Draft Diversity in Democracy Action Plan and agreed to forward on to full council for approval and implementation
8.1 The HoDS outlined the report asking Members to note the draft determinations for 2023 – 2024. The HoDS recognised that the deadline to respond to the consultation questions was December, however, she advised Members that should they have any particular comments to submit, these could be sent via email following the meeting. 8.2 Councillor Haynes commented around elected members income, referring in particular to the cost of living crisis and, therefore, stated that she would abstain from voting on the recommendations of this report. 8.3 The committee agreed to: · Note the content of the IRPW draft report for 2023/24. · Note that all members received a copy of the draft report and consultation questions and were invited to comment on the draft report ahead of the consultation closing on the 1 December 2022
9.1 The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday 8 June at 10.00am
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.