Agenda and minutes

There were no substitute members.

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of General Purposes Committee held on 11 June 2025.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 11 June 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

This report outlines the initial themes identified for inclusion in the Council’s Member Development Strategy and seeks approval for a draft Strategy to be presented to the Committee to consider in a future meeting.

The report the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive outlined the initial themes identified for inclusion in the Council’s Member Development Strategy.  The report built upon the training initially delivered as part of the Member Induction programme and aimed to present a more structured programme shaped by Member priorities whilst taking into account time constraints.  The initial document outlined the proposed direction of travel, as discussed with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, and centred on five key training areas: Committee-specific topics, legislative updates, high-profile or high-risk service areas, finance and governance and compliance.  To ensure the strategy aligned with the needs of Members, it was recommended that all Members be surveyed to identify their training priorities.

During discussion, Members felt that personal development plans might be difficult to implement due to time constraints and any other obligations, and they might not suit all Members.

The importance of compliance training was acknowledged, highlighting cyber security as especially valuable. In addition, it was noted that external resources such as the Local Government Associations (LGAs) programmes helped Members to enhance their skills and adapt to new challenges.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the emerging themes for the Member Development Strategy, be noted;

(2)        the proposal to survey all Members on their development needs, be endorsed; and

(3)        the General Purposes Committee receive a draft strategy in January 2026.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private.

(Reason: LGA 1972 – Sch 12 A Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

This report sets out for Members' approval a number of establishment changes recommended by the Council’s Management Team.  Members should note that, in accordance with adopted conventions, all of the savings/costs referred to in this report reflect the salary at the top of the scale/grade plus associated on costs.

(Reason: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

The report set out for Members’ approval a number of establishment changes recommended by Management Team.  Members noted that, in accordance with adopted conventions, all of the savings/costs referred to in the report reflected the salary at the top of the scale/grade plus associated on costs.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the hours of the Senior Electoral Services Officer (DC0401) post be increased from 30 hours to 37;

(2)        the hours of the Electoral Services Officer (DC403) post be increased from 29.5 hours to 37;

(3)        post DF003, Chief Financial Services Officer (M4) be redesignated to Financial Services Manager at M5;

(4)        the Senior Accountancy Assistant (Scale 5/6) full time post DF0296, be deleted;

(5)        a new Senior Accountant (Capital and Treasury) post, full time, grade M9 be established;

(6)        a new Transformation Manager post, full time, grade M6 be established;

(7)        the Head of Licensing, Community Safety and Customer Services post DR0402 be deleted;

(8)        the 30 hours Customer Services Advisor (Scale 4) post DB0325, be deleted; and

(9)        a Senior Service Supervisor post, full time, graded SO be established.