Issue - meetings

Purpose: To be informed about the previously agreed Four-Year Plan for Member Development and to approve specific training for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Council considered a report (Agenda Item 15) concerning the Member Development Plan for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. 

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Vicky Poole and seconded by Councillor Heather Codling: 

“That Council:

1. Approve the proposed Member Development Programme for 2026/27.
2. Authorise the Service Lead for Legal & Democratic to regularly review and amend these documents where necessary throughout the Municipal Year to ensure it remains relevant and fit for purpose.
3. Encourage the Group Leaders to use all reasonable endeavours to secure attendance by Members at all relevant training as detailed within the Programme and to participate in the sessions available on the Members Learning Hub.”

Councillor Poole introduced the report and highlighted that it was an annual plan produced in order to support the professional development of the Members. Additional sessions were planned for 2026/27, some of which would be focused on planning reform and special development. The development of softer skills was also a theme of the Plan, which suggested Member take part in a neurodiversity in the workplace course (delivered through the Council’s Learning Hub) and a handling intimidation and stress management course (provided by the Local Government Association).

Overall, as Council were satisfied with the report, they agreed to approve the recommendations.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.