Issue - meetings

To consider an amended version of the Planning Protocol of Conduct for inclusion in the Constitution

The Committee considered an amended version of the Planning Protocol of Conduct which had been developed by the Planning Protocol Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee had been appointed to review the existing Planning Protocol with a view to redrafting it as short, sensible guide.          

The revised version of the Protocol had been submitted to the Strategic Planning Board and the Standards Committee for comments. The Standards Committee had recommended the adoption of the revised Protocol for inclusion in the Constitution. The Standards Committee at its meeting on 25^th July 2011 had recommended the approval and adoption of the Protocol subject to the amendment of paragraph 13.1 from

“You should attend the mandatory training prescribed by the Council before you participate in decision-making at meetings”

to

“You must attend the mandatory training prescribed by the Council before you participate in decision-making at meetings”.

The Standards Committee had felt that this amendment better reflected actual practice, as Members were not permitted to take part in meetings until they had undergone the required training. This amendment had been made to the revised version of the Planning Protocol which was attached to the report.

RESOLVED

That Council be recommended to approve the revised Planning Protocol of Conduct for adoption and inclusion in the Constitution.