REPORT FROM THE CABINET MEMBER FOR RESOURCES AND PARISH/TOWN COUNCIL EMPOWERMENT

 

TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL

ON 21 FEBRUARY 2007

  

 

 

1.                  People and Organisation Development (incl. HR)

 

Publication of the staff survey has included holding briefing sessions for all staff and will trigger the start of a major programme both to address the concerns raised and to improve organisational health.  A conference for HR and related specialists is being held on 23rd February, with significant business input and guests including the HR Director of the IOW Health Authority.

 

2.                  PARISH EMPOWERMENT

 

During the last month we have started to roll out our programme of training for all Town and Parish Councillors and Clerks. This will, over the year cover a range of topics, including Chairmanship, financial management and "Good Clerk" sessions. This last month we have focussed on VAT and other financial matters and (with the Standards Committee) Code of Conduct issues. These have been well attended and from the feedback have been well received. This is an ongoing Training and development programme that will provide opportunities for clerks, councillors and councils as a group. And the sessions will be held at a variety of times of the day and evening so as to ensure maximum attendance. Our next parish induction day is in March and we anticipate a good turn out.

 

The latest Parish Press, our quarterly newsletter, will be published at the beginning of March and if you do not receive a copy please let us know, it provides information about what we are doing with the parishes and also gives them an opportunity to tell us their news. All of the past copies can be found on the parish portal.

 

I am continuing to attend Town and Parish Council meetings and Management Committees with a schedule of visits arranged during the coming year.

 

The Parish Devolution project as a whole will continue with the innovation that we have here on the Island to demonstrate to the rest of the UK just what can be achieved in partnership with the Parish and Town Councils.

 

Cllr Jilly Wood

Cabinet Member for Resources and Parish/Town Council Empowerment