‘Robust Induction Programme’ Proposed For Newly Elected Councillors

A ‘robust induction programme’ has been proposed to help introduce newly elected councillors to the workings of the local authority.

In a report due before the Democratic Services Committee on Wednesday 18 January it has been proposed that members consider and recommend to Council for approval of the implementation of an induction programme for new councillors following the May 2017 elections.

The programme is described as ‘essential’ to help prepare newly elected members for their role.

Details provided in the report about the proposed induction programme, read: “The Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 sets out a number of requirements in relation to Member training and development.

“In particular it requires authorities to “secure the provision of reasonable training and development opportunities for its Members within budgetary constraints and offer all Members the opportunity to have an interview to discuss their training and development needs with a suitably qualified person’.

“The Member induction programme seeks to provide a robust approach to induction linking to the wider annual member development plan.”

Such items include core training which would introduce new members to the Council Plan, Code of Conduct and Committee related information.

Initial introductory sessions to help new members ‘break the ice’ and learn more about their role and responsibilities; along with training on e-learning, legislation and how to ‘forge effective working relationships with officers and their departments, are also included.

If given the go ahead the programme of ‘core training’ would be delivered over a 12 week period between May 2017 and July 2017.

Members would also then have access to a ‘rolling programme of knowledge topic training’, which is planned for on an annual basis.

More information about the report and its proposals can be found on the Wrexham Council website.

For those interested in taking on the challenge of being a local councillor, an event will take place at the Guildhall on Monday 30 January explaining the ins and out the role entails.