Agenda item

This report provides a summary of the Member Learning and Development Programme since the last report to the Committee in March 2025 along with details on Members Expenses and a review of the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Amira Nassr (Deputy Director, Democratic and Corporate Governance, Brent Council) introduced the report, advising the Committee that work was underway to develop expanded induction modules and mandatory training programmes for members ahead of the forthcoming elections in May 2026. In presenting the report, the Committee noted the range of Member Learning and Development sessions delivered during 2025–26, the feedback received from members in relation to those sessions, the expenses and childcare claimed by members during the year, and the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which had not been subject to any changes during 2025–26.

Having thanked Amira Nassr for introducing the report, the Chair then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee, with the following issues discussed:

·            Members enquired how increased engagement with training sessions could be achieved. In response, Amira Nassr confirmed that the timing of sessions played an important role in engagement, with lunchtime sessions notably avoided. Online delivery approaches had seen increased participation, though issues relating to lack of camera use and active engagement had been noted. The upcoming May elections were seen as an opportunity to trial new approaches to improve engagement. Councillor Choudry fed back that some members had found some training sessions too presentation-heavy and technical, and suggested that summary sheets might help. Amira Nassr took those comments on board regarding the interactivity of member learning and development sessions and would incorporate that into the planning process of the member induction process following the May 2026 elections.

·            Independent members enquired about the extent of training available for Independent Co-opted Members. In response, Amira Nassr confirmed that general training was available alongside individual training upon request and feedback. Requests were made for standards-specific and equality training, with officers confirming that existing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training provided for all councillors could be extended to include independent members.

·            Members wished to know whether skill gaps were specifically targeted within the various committees. In response, Amira Nassr stated that, whilst committee members were appointed by party groups, some consideration was given to members’ skill sets and background knowledge. It was confirmed that provision for skills gaps would need to be considered, with new member training programmes available to address ad hoc training needs. Rhys Jarvis noted the importance of conducting a skills audit following party appointments to committees, which officers agreed to consider.

·            The benefits of a forward plan for training sessions were discussed, with members noting that this would prevent future training from feeling disconnected and would help to highlight additional development opportunities. In response, officers confirmed that a forward plan for training was available and would be shared with members, along with the complete member induction programme.

·            On the subject of personal development plans and the management of over-subscriptions to sessions, Amira Nassr confirmed that training providers had good relationships with the Member Learning and Development team and could likely increase capacity to match demand, with the possible addition of simultaneous sessions to stagger stage-one training in the latter part of 2026. It was also suggested that officer training sessions could potentially be made available to include members. Amira Nassr acknowledged that these might contain technical information not directly relevant to members but confirmed that this could likely be facilitated, where appropriate, based on member feedback.

With no further questions raised, the Committee RESOLVED to note the work being undertaken by the Member Learning and Development Steering Group in continuing the effective training and development of Brent’s elected representatives, together with member feedback, expenses claimed in 2025–26 and the financial and procedural rules governing the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.