Training & Development Policy

(A pdf version of this policy is Training & Development Policy

 

Introduction

St Erth Parish Council is committed to the ongoing training and development of all Staff and Councillors to ensure the highest standard of representation and services for the residents of the Parish.

This policy sets out:

  • the Council’s commitment to training and development;
  • the identification of training and development needs;
  • financial assistance;
  • study leave;
  • the monitoring of the policy

Commitment to Training and Development

The objectives of this policy are to:

  • encourage Staff and Councillors to undertake appropriate training and development;
  • allocate training in a fair manner;
  • ensure that training and development is evaluated in order to judge its value to both the Council and

The Council recognises that one of its most important resources is its Staff and Councillors, therefore is committed to encouraging the enhancement of their knowledge and qualifications through appropriate training and development as well as being kept up to date with appropriate new legislation.

The Council expects its staff to undertake a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) in line with their role and the requirements of their professional bodies. Therefore, the Council will subscribe to the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and Cornwall County Association of Local Councils (CALC) each municipal year.

To support this, funds will be allocated to a training budget each year to enable Staff and Councillors to attend training events and conferences relevant to their duties and the needs of the Council.

The Identification of Training and Development Needs

The development of an employee should include the provision of an annual appraisal and performance review, where personal development and training needs can be identified and discussed and objectives set.

The Clerk will identify appropriate training and development opportunities to meet the ascertained training and development needs for both Staff and Councillors.

The Council will approve training and development opportunities for Staff and Councillors.

Staff and Councillors who wish to be nominated for training and development provision should discuss this in the first instance with the Clerk or Staffing Committee, upon which it will be determined whether the training and development is relevant to the Council’s needs and/or service delivery.

Appropriate training and development will be necessary to ensure that both Staff and Councillors are aware of their legal responsibilities or the Council’s requirements, e.g. health and safety, risk management, employment law and equal opportunities.  Both Staff and Councillors will be required to attend training courses, workshops or seminars where suitable provision is identified.

As soon as practicable after joining the Council, a parish councillor will attend appropriate training sessions to familiarise themselves with the general work of a parish council.

The Clerk will provide a welcome pack to all new Councillors. The pack will include the following:

  • CALC Welcome Pack
  • Contact details for Councillors and the Clerk
  • Adopted Code of Conduct
  • Standing Orders
  • Financial Regulations
  • Meetings calendar
  • Details of website – www.sterth-pc.gov.uk
  • Any other relevant and current

Financial Assistance

All sponsored training and development must be appropriate to the needs of the Council, be relevant to the individual’s role, and is subject to the availability of financial resources.

In order to ensure the best cost effectiveness, Staff and Councillors will be required to attend the nearest college/venue offering the required provision.

For approved courses staff can expect the following to be sponsored:

  • the course fee;
  • examination fees;
  • associated membership fees;
  • one payment to re-take a failed

Staff and Councillors attending courses will be required to inform immediately the Clerk or the Chair of the Council of any absence, giving reasons.

Failure to sit an examination may result in the Council withdrawing future course funding and/or requesting the refunding of financial assistance. Each case will be considered on an individual basis.

Any employee undertaking post-entry qualifications funded by the Council must be aware that should they leave the Council’s employment within two years of completion of the qualification they may be required to repay all costs associated with the undertaking of such training.

Study Leave

Employees who are given approval to undertake external qualifications are granted the following:

  • study time to attend day-release courses;
  • time to sit examinations;
  • study time of one day per

Provision of study time must be agreed with the Clerk or the Chair of the Council prior to the leave being undertaken.

Sustainability

The Council understands that attending a training session in person can offer unique benefits fostering direct collaboration and a sense of community amongst participants.  However, it is also mindful of the environmental impact associated with travel to such events.  Consideration must therefore be given to alternative delivery methods, such as online training if available, so that the carbon impact of the training activity can be reduced so far as is practical.

When it is agreed that training should be attended in person, where practicably possible travel should be made using public transport.

Monitoring of the Policy

The Parish Council will be responsible for monitoring and management of the budget for this policy. Staff and Councillors who undertake training or development activities will be required to evaluate the effectiveness of the event. This feedback will then be used to evaluate the event.

Adopted 6th December 2022 137/12/22-23b)
Reviewed 5th December 2023 141/12/23-24d)
Next Review due December 2026