Issue - meetings

This report outlines arrangements for the Member Induction programme which will be held immediately after the election. 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

All Members declared a personal interest in that, should they be re-elected in the forthcoming elections, their Induction Programme for May 2010 was set out in this item 5.

The Committee noted the outline arrangements for the Member Induction programme, which would be held immediately after the election.

It was highlighted that the officer telephone contact list circulated at the beginning of their term of office became out of date quite quickly.  Therefore, 6-monthly updates should be circulated to Members.  The Head of Councillors’ Services confirmed that the Declaration of Acceptance of Office would be signed on the night of the election, wherever possible, and that the code of conduct would be signed as part of the Declaration. Members noted the increased use of social networking sites as a means of communication.  Written protocols and guidance were required so that Members knew the Do’s and Don’ts.  A preference for information to be supplied in different formats such as CDs and hard copies was expressed.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

1.                  Information provided to Councillors be available in different formats.

2.                  Information on contact personnel be regularly updated.

3.                  Guidance on IT issues and the use of social networks be included in the programme.

4         Members receive a six-monhtly update of key officer contacts within the   

                Council.