The Democratic Services Committee met to discuss and gather feedback on the format of the councillor induction programme, with a decision made to conduct a survey of all councillors to inform future improvements. The committee also approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on 28 November 2025.

Councillor Induction Programme

The committee discussed the format of the councillor induction programme, which was last held in 2022 and is due for review ahead of the next intake of councillors in May 2027. The primary aim was to gather feedback on the previous induction format to inform the design of a new, more effective programme.

Councillor Russell Sparks highlighted that while the 2022 induction training was informative, it was often too sedentary and reliant on PowerPoint presentations. He suggested a more engaging and flexible approach, including shorter twilight sessions for those with full-time jobs and modular learning options. Councillor Sparks also emphasised the need to survey all current councillors to gather their views before finalising the 2027 programme.

Dirk Neumann, Business Partner for Learning and Development for Service Delivery, presented information on the previous induction schedule, which ran from May to October 2022. He noted that while many essential learning modules are available on the 'Thinqi'[^1] digital platform, completion rates have been lower than anticipated. Mr. Neumann confirmed that reports on completion rates could be provided to group leaders.

Councillor Michael Cranham, who is retired, noted that while he enjoyed the in-person and virtual sessions, he understood the challenges faced by councillors who are still working. He suggested that twilight sessions would be beneficial. Councillor Cranham also raised concerns about the completion rates of the 'Thinqi' modules, particularly among independent councillors, and asked if there was a mechanism to track progress more effectively.

Councillor Fiona Walters, who also has another job, echoed the sentiment for more flexible hours and suggested a short session to clarify the handling of councillor emails, which she found daunting initially.

A key decision made was to circulate a survey to all councillors to gather their views on the induction programme. This survey will inform the redesign of the induction process, aiming for greater accessibility, flexibility, and engagement. The feedback will be used to develop a proposal for the new induction programme, which may include online and in-person elements, and potentially shorter, bilingual presentations. The committee also agreed to explore the possibility of support sessions, such as group learning or classes, to assist councillors with IT skills and navigating the learning platform.

Discussions also touched upon the importance of councillors adhering to training and guidelines, particularly in areas like planning. Councillor Tyssul Evans, Vice-Chair, raised the issue of councillors not following officer recommendations despite having received training, suggesting a need for reminders about their responsibilities. Councillor Sparks proposed the idea of creating smaller, cross-party groups or cohorts for training, fostering collaboration and mutual support, similar to a classroom environment.

The committee also discussed the potential for incorporating Welsh language learning