Agenda and minutes

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests which they may have in respect of business on the agenda.  None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting held on 27^th November 2014.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2014 be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this pointing the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Committee’s remit can do so. The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Wednesday 28^th January 2015.

Filming or Recording Meetings

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report provides a contextual update on the proposals for  a ‘Membersphere’ website. Members will also receive a working presentation by ICT officers on the facility as it stands and be consulted on their views.

Members considered a report which provided a contextual update on the proposals for a “Membersphere” website.  ICT officers gave a presentation on the latest version, including the functions that would be in place to improve communication and to ensure that information was more readily accessible. 

An opportunity was given for Members to provide feedback and ask questions.

Members’ views were sought on the current format of “Membersphere”, which had been redeveloped in the light of Government changes to the Public Sector Network (PSN).  Generally, Members were pleased with the revised format, devised as a web app, but requested that consideration be given to a feature which would enable Members to make reminders to self.  They agreed that it would be a very useful tool, particularly for newly appointed Members.  For this reason they were keen to ensure that the app was tested by the same group of Members involved in testing previously, with a view to it being launched from May 2015.

Officers were thanked for their presentation and for their ongoing work in the development of “Membersphere”.

Resolved:  (i)      That the update on the development of the

                             “Membersphere” site be noted.

(ii)      That “Membersphere” continue to be developed in its current format in preparation for its launch in May 2015.

Reason:     To enable arrangements for “Membersphere” to be introduced as part of the induction of newly elected Members for the 2015/16 municipal year.

Members are asked to consider the work plan for the Member Support Steering Group.

Consideration was given to the work plan for the Member Support Steering Group for the remainder of the 2014/15 municipal year.

Members were invited to put forward suggestions for inclusion on the work plan.

Resolved:  That, subject to the inclusion of the following items on the agenda for the meeting on 12 March 2015, the work plan be approved:

·        Update on development of Membersphere

·        Update on Induction Programme for Newly Elected Members (to include training programme)

Reason:     To provide the Steering Group with a planned programme of work.