Agenda item

            The Committee was advised that the Member Development Steering Group had been responsible for the developing a framework to ensure that all Members were supported and equipped to carry out their roles effectively, especially when considering the implications of local government reform.  A significant amount of progress had been achieved to date, with the Steering Group and the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee having agreed to the design and delivery of a number of key elements of the framework, such as, a revised induction programme following the local government inductions in 2011, a range of specific development activities, the revised Personal Development Plan (PDP) process and the Belfast Members’ Academy. 

            In March, 2012, the Council had approved the revised PDP process for Members.  The revised process, which had been conducted between May and September, 2012 with 40 out of 51 Members, had identified a number of both individual and generic development needs of Members. Furthermore, the Committee at its meeting on 21st September, had approved the generic development needs which had been highlighted by Members during the PDP process.  The Members had agreed that those development needs should be addressed thought the delivery of an overall generic development programme which would begin to be delivered in the early part of 2013.  In addition, it had been agreed that the Belfast Members’ Academy should be included in that programme.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that a draft development programme had been designed in the form of the Members’ Generic Development Programme, and had been considered and approved by the Members Development Steering Group at its meeting Wednesday, 4th February.  In addition to the development programme, an Action Plan had also been considered and approved by the Steering Group.  The Action Plan sought to take account of those areas for Elected Member development  which would be necessary but must yet be worked through, such as Community Planning, the planning function and scrutiny requirements.  It was intended that the development programme would run until the local government elections to the Shadow Council in 2014 in order to not add unduly to Councillors already busy schedules.  In addition, as work progressed with Local Government Reform, the programme would be able to be tailored so that Members had the opportunity to build their capacity to effectively deliver on the new functions transferring to local government. 

            He explained that an important element of the Member Development Framework was the Belfast Members’ Academy, which was a bespoke programme specifically designed for elected Members of the Council to build the capacity of the City’s current and future leaders and to equip them with the skills required to effectively deliver for the city and its communities.  It provided space for individual and group learning through a range of approaches and styles within the context of Belfast City Council.  One such approach was “Action Learning Sets” which was an effective learning process whereby Members worked and learned together by tackling real issues and reflecting on their actions.  Participants would acquire knowledge through actions and practice rather than traditional instruction.  The Belfast Members’ Academy would complement the Members Generic development programme and would commence in March, 2013.  It might be possible for the programme to be formally accredited and that would be explored over the coming months.  In order to receive a accreditation, it might be necessary to amend the programme and the Steering Group would be asked to consider any refinements. 

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and noted also that that Member Development Steering Group had approved the delivery of the Members’ Generic Development Programme.