The Member Development and Standards Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss proposals for enhancing member support and development. Key topics included the introduction of a Committee Buddy Scheme, a pilot for Microsoft Copilot, and a new mechanism for reporting member behaviour. The committee was also set to receive an update on member learning and development activities.

Election of a Deputy Chair

The Sub Committee was scheduled to elect a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

Proposal for a Committee Buddy Scheme for New Committee Members

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the introduction of a Committee Buddy Scheme designed to support members newly appointed to committees and sub-committees. This initiative emerged from feedback indicating that new members found it challenging to grasp the context of ongoing issues and established working practices when joining committees mid-term. The proposed scheme aims to provide informal peer support from experienced members, complementing existing officer support. Several delivery models were to be considered, including the designation of a buddy by each committee, the role being undertaken by the Chair or Deputy Chair, or a nomination by the Chair. The report recommended endorsing the principle of the Chair, Deputy Chair, or a nominated member undertaking the role, supported by the Committee Clerk, and for the Town Clerk to develop further operational guidance.

Proposal for a Microsoft Copilot Pilot Scheme for Members

The Sub Committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for a limited pilot scheme to trial Microsoft Copilot for members. This was in response to member feedback about the difficulty in processing lengthy committee reports and agenda packs. While members already have access to the free version of Microsoft Copilot (Copilot Chat) and have received training on its use, the report suggested that a pilot of the premium version could assess its practical value. The report recommended that if members were supportive of a pilot, the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Director of Digital Information & Technology and the Sub-Committee's Chairman and Deputy Chairman, would determine the arrangements for cost, duration, and participant numbers, with funding to be drawn from the Member Learning & Development budget.

Proposal for an Informal and Confidential Reporting Mechanism for Member Behaviour

A report was scheduled for discussion proposing the establishment of an informal and confidential reporting mechanism for lower-level member behavioural issues. This mechanism would operate outside the formal Code of Conduct process, aiming to address behaviours that do not meet the threshold for formal complaints but may still warrant intervention. Concerns could be submitted confidentially, and where appropriate, anonymously, via the Members' Portal to the Chief Commoner, Deputy, and Assistant Town Clerks. The intention is to address concerns through discussion or other proportionate interventions. The proposal also suggested that officers be permitted to report informal complaints via the same platform, addressing an action from the Local Government Association's Review into Member Behaviour. The recommendation was to approve, in principle, the development of this mechanism for both members and officers, and to delegate authority to the Town Clerk to develop detailed proposals.

Member Learning and Development Update

The Sub Committee was scheduled to receive an update on member learning and development activities undertaken since their previous meeting on 23 February 2026. This update, in line with the Member Learning and Development Strategy 2025–2029, was to cover training delivered, attendance data, and progress on the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) quarterly theme. Specific training sessions mentioned included Members & Equalities Law, Member Training on Bias, and Beyond the Boardroom: Engaging with Businesses and Workers in your Ward. The report also highlighted engagement opportunities related to research into the City Corporation's historical links to the transatlantic slave trade, including a Q&A with Professor William Pettigrew. Additionally, updates were provided on Digital Services all-member sessions focusing on areas such as AI and Data and Analytics. Members were asked to note the report and provide feedback on future training priorities.