Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval of a new Member Development Strategy 2026-2028, setting out how Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council will support and develop its Members to ensure the successful delivery of its strategic priorities.

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive set out a new Member Development Strategy 2026 – 2028, developed to equip Members with the knowledge and skills required to fulfil their roles effectively with the aim of supporting the successful delivery of the Borough Council’s strategic priorities.

Following a Member survey undertaken in December 2025 and based on the feedback received, a draft Member Development Strategy had been prepared and was attached at Annex 1, focusing on five key priority areas as outlined in paragraph 5.6 of the report.

Members welcomed the introduction of the new Member Development Strategy, advocated for interactive training exercises and the use of external facilitators for regulatory topics, and emphasised the importance of benchmarking against other councils and tracking progress with training modules.  It was noted that implementation of the Strategy would be monitored annually by the General Purposes Committee, with priority areas for 2026/27 scheduled to be considered by the Committee in March 2026.

Councillor Boughton proposed, seconded by Councillor Clokey, and the Committee unanimously

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the new Member Development Strategy 2026 – 2028, set out in Annex 1, be approved.