East Midlands Councils

Councillor Development Network

17th March 2011 - 10 am to 12 noon

Action Notes

Attendees: / Apologies
Name / Council / Name / Council
Jacquie Mansell / Ashfield District Council / Liz Read / Blaby District Council
David Dalby / Charnwood Borough Council / Matthew Berry / Blaby District Council
Phil O’Brien / Derby City Council / Cllr Ted Webster-Williams / Blaby District Council
John Makinson-Sanders / Compass Business Point / Kath Whittingham / Bolsover District Council
Rachel Reeds / East Northants Council / Sue Rodden / Broxtowe Borough Council
Rebecca Owen / Hinckley & Bosworth / Rosemary Daniel / Daventry District Council
Alex Kowalczuk / Leicester City Council / Margaret Sellors / Derby City Council
Debra Duke / North Kesteven District Council / Ian McFadyn / Derbyshire County Council
Neil Betteridge / South Derbyshire DC / Anne Ireson / Kettering Borough Council
Liz Reid-Jones / Rushcliffe Borough Council / Cllr Mary Malin / Kettering Borough Council
Lisa Butterfill / East Midlands Councils
Mark Pemberton
Julie Granger
Frazer Powell
Marcella Heath / Mansfield District
Mansfield District Council
N E Derbyshire District Council
North Kesteven District Council
Cllr Debbie Mason / Rushcliffe Borough Council
Geoff Pook / Rutland County Council
Agenda Item / Actions/Information / Who
1. / Welcome and introduction / Jacqui Mansell welcomed everyone to the network and thanked David Dalby for chairing the last meeting.
2. / Apologies and Minutes 15th December 2010 / Notes of the Last Meeting
Minutes agreed as a true record.
Matters arising:
No matters arising.
Discussed Item 4 - Planning for induction
Discussed Item 5 – themes and format of the network
Discussed Item 6
Congratulations to David Dalby on achieving the regional Cllr Development Charter at Charnwood
3. / Sharing Information / In small groups information was shared on the following topics: below are the key points of feedback. Attached to these notes is a full list of ideas/thoughts on each topic.
Induction programmes – key points:
-Idea of a freshers fayre – departments have ‘stalls’, member development has it’s own stall
-political group mentoring
-CD Rom/Webpage – for induction information as well as hard copy so it can be referenced
-Skills audit with L & D team following induction
-Drop in sessions – 8am – 8pm to allow access
-Catchy titles for sessions
-List of essential reading/sessions that help guide/signpost members
Exit Interviews/Questionnaires
-Be clear what the purpose of the interview/questionnaire is to ensure focus and useful information thereafter
-Range of methods/approaches could be used – appropriate to culture and style of each authority; ie an informal 1:1 chat or paper based questionnaire
-Encourage dialogue throughout their term – continuous improvement is a focus
-Focus specific questions based on what can be influenced.
PDP’s
-Ideally on face to face one to one basis for building longer term relationship/rapport
-Needs to be balanced with time and resources to achieve a quality outcome.
-Be clear on the purpose - whether it’s a skills audit or a development plan or both?
-Position as a 4 year programme of continuous improvement with various review stages. ELDC and SHDC have some examples of this approach
-Understand preference of councillors as to who facilitates the PDP’s
4. / Regional Update / See links to EM IEP website for councillor events that are free.
See links to Local Government Improvement & Development (formerly I&DEA) ‘Taking the Lead’ document.
The network may be interested in the LGID change of control offer - i.e. 5 days of free member peer support for all councils undergoing a change of control.
From 1st April LGID has produced a document called 'Taking the Lead' – details of which can be found at:
5. / Any Other Business / Debra asked for examples of induction surveys used to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. David suggested a meeting (or similar) 6 months following to review induction.
Phil asked about the level of support different authorities provided to members for their surgeries.
Responses to Debra and Phil if you can help with their queries. / .
Moira
6. / Focus for Next Meeting /
  • Evaluation of Induction programme
  • New skills required by members in respect of the localism bill and how officers can support members (potential presenter?)

7. / Date of Future Meetings / 22nd June 2011.

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