Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 2 December 2015.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2015 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To discuss the recent visit to Sunderland City Council by members of the Scrutiny Review Panel to learn about their Community Leadership Programme.

Councillors discussed the recent visit to Sunderland City Council by members of the Scrutiny Review Panel to learn about their Community Leadership Programme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Sunderland City Council members had trialled different ICT equipment before deciding which version most suited to their requirements;

·         It was felt that officers were best placed to create a councillor role profile for members to then approve;

·         A member satisfaction survey had been developed out of the need for better cohesion between officers and members;

·         There was a need for an up to date electronic officer directory at Stockport Council;

·         Sunderland City Council had implemented a “buddying” system whereby officers volunteered to assist new members with general enquiries in their first few months after election;

·         The Relationship Managers’ role at Stockport Council could encompass the “buddy” role.

RESOLVED – That the report of the councillors be noted.

Representatives of Birmingham University will attend the meeting to discuss their recent work looking at the skills, values and identities of the future public service workforce and produced its findings called “The 21st Century Public Servant” and North West Employers subsequent piece of work called “The 21st Century Councillor”.

Representatives of Birmingham University attended the meeting to discuss their recent work looking at the skills, values and identities of the future public service workforce and their subsequent piece of work with North West Employers called “The 21st Century Councillor”.

Members considered the following questions:-

·         What do you see as the current challenges and opportunities in your role?

·         Consider the relationships that you have with others – partners, officers

·         How do you see the devolution agenda impacting on your role?

·         How do you see the councillor role changing?

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RESOLVED – That Karin Bottom (University of Birmingham) and Sharon Senior (North West Employers) be thanked for their attendance.

To consider the preliminary final report for the Scrutiny Review Panel – Member Development & Support.

The Panel is invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk.

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a draft final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel (copies of which had been circulated).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members acknowledged that the current induction programme was fit for purpose;

·         There was a need for continual member development following the indication programme;

·         Accessible ward profiles could be developed to provide members with key information to support their role and allow the public to access this information;

·         A key contacts document for council partners could be provided to members;

·         Members should decide which ICT equipment the Council invests in to ensure it is fit for their needs;

·         A casework management system could be developed;

·         The Locality Working approach was still a work in progress;

·         Members acknowledged the potential impact of Greater Manchester devolution on their roles and development needs;

·         Councillors membership of external bodies and the legal responsibilities placed on them should be covered in the induction process;

·         There was a need for prioritisation of information in order to reduce the size of office reports.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.