Issue - meetings

The Lead Officer has prepared the attached report to assist the Committee in identifying its on-going training and development needs.

The Governance Lead Officer submitted a paper to assist the Committee in identifying its on-going training and development needs. The Committee was reminded that it had already agreed to participate in the Cheshire and Warrington Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (CWIEP) Programme of Overview and Scrutiny Member Development.

The focus of the CWIEP Programme was on the enhanced role of scrutiny and on equipping Elected Members to undertake scrutiny of non-local authority providers and deliverers, and on considering appropriate governance arrangements.  It was noted that those signed-up to CWIEP were Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester Shadow Authorities, Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

The Programme of four events would take account of the context of each Authority and the varying experiences of Members.  The Programme was being designed and delivered by the Centre for Public Scrutiny, including an experienced Peer Member.  An appropriate Officer from each authority will assist with facilitation to support sustainable development.  Further details of the proposed programme had already been circulated separately to members. It was noted that Cheshire East Council would be hosting the first training event on 14 November. 

Members referred to the importance of identifying a future work programme for Scrutiny and ensuring that there was an ongoing dialogue with the Leader and Deputy Leader and the Chief Executive as to how they see the Scrutiny function operating.

Noting the relevance of the training provided earlier in the day by Tameside MBC, it was stressed that appropriate resourcing with competent officers for scrutiny was key to moving forward.  Consideration was given to meaningful scrutiny work that could be achieved in the short term and regard was given to the potential implications of a robust scrutiny function not being in place when the first CPA inspection of the new Council takes place in two years time. 

RESOLVED -

1        To note the outcomes of the discussions held with representatives of Tameside MBC earlier in the day;

2        To note the arrangements for the delivery of the CWIEP Member Development Programme on Overview and Scrutiny;

3        The Chief Executive be asked to attend the next formal meeting of the Scrutiny Committee to set out her aspirations for the next 12 months on the direction she expects the Council to be taking, and the key role of Scrutiny;

4        That proposals be brought to the next meeting on the Committee’s work programme up to end March 2009.