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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
RESOLVED – That consideration of the appointment of a Member Development Champion be deferred to the next Meeting.
RESOLVED – That, subject to the aforementioned amendment, the Forward Work Programme be agreed.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bryan Apsley, Jeremy Kent, Claire Lovett, Rondo Roberts, Debbie Wallice and Derek Wright.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 March 2026 were submitted. In addition, a copy of a briefing note on cyber security awareness training for Members was also submitted, following a request at the last Meeting. RESOLVED – (i) That the briefing note on Cyber Security Awareness Training for Elected Members be noted; and (ii) That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 March 2026 be signed as a correct record.
There were no declarations of interest submitted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (CE/13/26) to provide an update to the Democratic Services Committee on Member Development activity and to monitor/review progress in Quarter 1. The Head of Democratic Services presented the report, and particular attention was drawn to paragraph 4.6 of the report, which set out the next steps identified by the Group. A debate ensued and the following points were highlighted: · The Member Development Task and Finish Group had agreed that its focus should now be on the Personal Review and Development (PRD) process. Members were advised that the Council was required to offer a PRD process but participation was voluntary and an opportunity to identify any gaps in training and development needs. · References to "mandatory" and "core" training had been reviewed and amended to address confusion around the terminology. Clarifying the distinction between these terms was one of the actions identified by the Task and Finish Group. · A Member suggested that training relating to complaints made to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales would be beneficial. It was noted that Members, particularly independent Members, may have limited support available when responding to complaints. Concerns were also expressed that some Members perceived certain training as compulsory, when there was no legal mechanism to enforce attendance. In response, the Officer advised that a briefing note could be prepared outlining the complaints process and relevant procedures. · It was acknowledged that, whilst training on the Members' Code of Conduct was expected of all Councillors, there remained ongoing debate nationally regarding the absence of formal consequences where Members did not undertake training. The Officer reiterated that the term "mandatory" could be misleading and was one of the reasons for reviewing the terminology used. · A Member referred to personal experience of receiving vexatious complaints and highlighted the distress this could cause. It was suggested that support mechanisms for independent Members should be considered, including access to an appropriate officer or adviser who could provide reassurance and guidance when complaints were received. · It was suggested that training opportunities should be clearly identified as relating to skills development, knowledge development, or both, in order to assist Members and Officers in understanding the purpose of each session and supporting effective delivery. RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (COGC/64/26) to set out the process for the preparation of Annual Reports by Members for the 2025/26 municipal year. In presenting the report, the Officer informed the Committee that all Members had recently received a reminder regarding the submission of their Annual Reports. Whilst completion of an Annual Report was not compulsory, the Council was required to make arrangements for Members to produce one if they wished to do so. A template report had been included as an appendix to assist Members. A discussed ensued and the following points were highlighted during the debate: · The Officer advised that, to date, 20 Annual Reports had been received, representing a lower return than in previous years. Members were reminded that reports submitted would need to be published by 31 July and the reminder served as a final opportunity for any Member wishing to complete and submit a report. · Members noted that the Annual Reports were published on individual Members' webpages and were a useful means of demonstrating to residents and prospective election candidates the work undertaken by Councillors throughout the year. · Officers confirmed that information was available on the Council's website, for prospective Election candidates including details of the role of a Councillor, support available to elected Members, and links to additional external resources. However, it was acknowledged that a review of how and where this information was displayed on the website may be beneficial. It was also suggested that other opportunities should be provided for members of the public to gain a greater understanding of the role of a Councillor through engagement initiatives to encourage wider participation in local democracy. · The Officer advised that contact had already been made with a number of community groups to promote awareness of the Councillor role and welcomed suggestions from Members regarding other groups or organisations that may benefit from engagement. · It was agreed that beginning engagement work with prospective candidates at an earlier stage would be beneficial and it was noted that political groups and prospective candidates would soon begin preparations for the next election cycle. RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That consideration of the appointment of a Member Development Champion be deferred to the next Meeting.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (COGC/58/26) to nominate a Member Development Champion from within the Members of the Democratic Services Committee, in accordance with the functions which are the responsibility of Committees of the Council, set out in Section 13, Table 4 of the Council’s Constitution. The Head of Democratic Services presented the report and invited nominations from Members of the Committee. However, as a number of Members, including the current Member Development Champion Councillor Derek Wright, had submitted apologies for the meeting, it was suggested that consideration of the appointment should be deferred to the next meeting to enable those Members not present to have the opportunity to participate in the process. RESOLVED – That consideration of the appointment of a Member Development Champion be deferred to the next Meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That, subject to the aforementioned amendment, the Forward Work Programme be agreed.
The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report (COGC/63/26) asking Members to consider items for inclusion in a Forward Work Programme for the Committee during the current municipal year. She presented the report and reminded Members that the work programme for November 2026 would be updated to include the appointment of a Member Development Champion following the decision to defer the appointment today. RESOLVED – That, subject to the aforementioned amendment, the Forward Work Programme be agreed.
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