Issue - meetings

To consider a verbal report of the Lead Officer for the Member Development Officer Working Group.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Lead Officer for Member Development on opportunities for scrutiny training. The Cheshire & Warrington Innovation Programme organised various training opportunities which included an accelerated learning forum for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, and training on specific skills such as questioning and chairing a meeting. Other initiatives were also available which included working with a coach/facilitator who would attend Committee meetings as a “critical friend”, role play sessions and electronic training. Visits to other local authorities were also suggested as well as basic training in scrutiny best practice for all members of the Committee.

It was reported that the County Council’s Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Select Committee had extended a standing invitation to a representative of this Committee to attend its future meetings as part of the Induction process. It was agreed that notice of the meetings should be circulated to all Committee Members and those who could, would attend as observers.

RESOLVED: - a. That a basic training session in scrutiny best practice be held in  
                        August for all Scrutiny Committee members.

b. That the Lead Officer for Member Development submit a report to the next meeting outlining a proposed training programme for Scrutiny Committee members