The Standards Committee of Blackburn with Darwen Council met on Wednesday 26 June 2024 to discuss member training programmes and the planning protocol for members and officers. The committee approved the proposed training programmes for 2024-25 and discussed updates to the planning protocol.

Member Training Programmes 2024-25

The committee reviewed and approved the Standards Committee - Member Training Report 2024-25, which outlines the training initiatives for the upcoming year. The report includes detailed plans in Appendix 1 - Member Training 2023-24, Appendix 2 - Member Training 2024-25, and Appendix 3 - Elected Members Development Programme 2024-25.

Councillors discussed the importance of continuous professional development for elected members, with a focus on ethics, governance, and community engagement. One councillor emphasised, Continuous training ensures that members are well-equipped to serve their constituents effectively and uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Planning Protocol for Members and Officers

The committee also reviewed updates to the Planning Protocol for Members and Officers. The protocol aims to provide clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of members and officers in the planning process, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The discussion highlighted the need for clarity in decision-making processes and the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest. One member stated, Clear guidelines help maintain public trust in our planning decisions and ensure that all actions are taken in the best interest of the community.

The committee approved the updated protocol, noting that it aligns with the council's commitment to ethical governance and transparency.

Other Business

The meeting also included a review of the Declarations of Interest and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 20th December 2023, both of which were routine matters without significant discussion.