Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Charles, Needham and Seaton.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the panel.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27th April 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Disclosable pecuniary interests and registrable interests relate to entries that are included, or should be included, on a councillor’s register of interests. Non-registrable interests relate to any other matters.

No declarations were made.

No declarations were made.

No questions were submitted.

No questions were submitted.

To consider the draft report of the panel and to propose recommendations to the Scrutiny Commission.

The draft report does not include the appendices referred to in it. These will be added once the report is finalised.

A draft report of the panel, outlining the key findings and the discussion points of previous meetings of the panel, was submitted (item 6 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

The Democratic Services Officer assisted with the consideration of this report.

The following summarises the discussion:

      i.        It was suggested that information be added into the final report to outline the panel’s discussion regarding the interface of the website. The panel had highlighted that there was a need for a simple and easy-to-use website that could be accessed efficiently across all platforms (desktop, tablet, mobile phone, etc…).

    ii.        Members of the panel stated that they felt satisfied with the ongoing work of the Customer Experience service and that were confident that the work would improve the services offered by the Council, and would create better experiences for customers.

The panel agreed to make the following recommendations:

1.    That the Scrutiny Commission scrutinises the website procurement process, which was due to take place in March 2023.

2.    That participation in the Digital Champions initiative be offered to members. This would involve developing the digital skills of members to enable them to support their residents with enquiries and issues involving online services.

3.    That member development sessions be organised to increase the digital skills of all members. This would include using the digital services offered by the Council, using IT equipment, using social media and increasing social media presence.

AGREED

1.    That information be added into the final report to outline the panel’s discussion regarding the interface of the website.

2.    That the recommendations set out be included within the final report.

To confirm any further actions required.

The Democratic Services Officer stated that following the amendments to the draft report as suggested, the final report would be submitted to the next scheduled meeting of the Scrutiny Commission.