Agenda item

Cllr Judi Billing MBE, introduced the paper updating members on final engagement figures for the 2017/18 Highlighting Political Leadership offer and providing a proposed work programme for the 2018/19 session. It had been another record year with the highest number of participants (844 including Wales), BAME participation had increased in some programmes and 96% of responding participants reported they felt more confident in their role following participation.

Cllr Joy Allen informed the Board that she had been working on improving take-up figures in the north east region.

In the discussion which followed, Members raised the following points;

·         A view was expressed that there is a lack of understanding around the need for a robust opposition in Councils and the LGA should continue to promote the importance of its effective opposition courses

·         A view was expressed that all the courses were extremely valuable to local government and that the Board should continue to encourage Member authorities that they are worthwhile.

·         The Chairman emphasised that it had been a record year for take up of these courses.

Decision

The Improvement and Innovation Board noted the outturn figures for 2017/18 and approved the work plan for 2018/19.