Issue - meetings

The report of the Service Manager – Corporate Services is attached.

The Service Manager – Corporate Services presented a report which provided the Group with information against the Councillor Development Charter Self-Assessment Document, with the aim to provide context about the future direction of the Member Development Group at Rushcliffe. A copy of the Self- Assessment Document was provided as an appendix to the report.

The Service Manager – Corporate Services asked members whether they had identified anything in the document that could improve the development offer by learning from other authorities or bodies such as East Midlands Councils, with the emphasis on ensuring that all Councillors are appropriately developed and supported to effectively carry out their roles.

Members agreed that it was useful to look at other authorities to identify opportunities to do things differently and improve member development outcomes.  It was suggested that a ‘get to know you’ interview to see what knowledge and skills members could provide or a mentoring scheme for newly elected Councillors provided by existing and more experienced Councillors.  

Overall, the Group felt that the Charter provided little value or benefit to Rushcliffe. The Chairman suggested adapting elements within the charter that would best fit the Council in improving its Member Development programme going forward.

It was RESOLVED that Member Development Group

a)    Noted the Officer Self Assessment

b)    Agreed not to pursue the Councillor Charter Status but to incorporate elements of the Charter to improve the Councils Member Development programme.