The Standards Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to consider a proposed Member Induction and Development Programme for 2026/27. The meeting's agenda also included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting.

Proposed Member Induction and Development Programme 2026/27

The committee was set to review a report detailing the proposed induction and training programme for new and returning councillors following the local elections in May 2026. The programme aims to equip councillors with the necessary knowledge and skills for their roles. Key elements of the proposed induction include a welcome evening on 11 May, a Members' Fair on 13 May where directorates and officers will introduce themselves, and a comprehensive handbook.

The induction programme is planned to be delivered over 12–18 months, starting with mandatory courses and progressing to skills development and an overview of key council services. Role-specific training will be provided for Lead Members and Committee Chairs, with bespoke programmes considered for individual needs. The report also outlines plans for external development activities, such as those offered by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), which will complement internal training.

A significant aspect of the proposed programme involves the provision of iPads with data packages to councillors to support their ability to serve their communities effectively. This initiative is subject to budget review. The report also highlights the importance of gathering feedback from members after the initial induction period to refine the programme. The cost of the induction programme is expected to be met from existing budgets, with the purchase of iPads subject to budget review.

The report indicated that the committee was asked to note the proposed programme, with no specific decisions required from the committee itself.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes from the Standards Committee meeting held on 19 February 2025. These minutes would be reviewed to ensure they accurately reflected the discussions and decisions of that meeting.