Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Itrat Ali.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Committee.

All agenda items were considered in public session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No deputations or petitions were received.       

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No public questions were received.

The report presents early learning in respect of the ten integrated Library Hubs across Kirklees and how this is informing the future development of the service model.

Contact: Mags Rogerson, Head of Local Integrated Partnerships

The Committee considered a report in relation to early learning from the ten integrated Library Hubs across Kirklees and how this was informing the future development of the service model.

Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Environment introduced the item and explained that the report set out how the traditional libraries had developed into community integrated Library Hubs and their purpose in providing place?based access to support, and outlined future development priorities. It was noted that each hub was tailored to meet the specific needs of its locality. Thanks were expressed to the volunteers, with particular emphasis on their integral role in the success of the model.

Jill Greenfield Service Director for Communities and Access Services and Mags Rogerson, Head of Local Integrated Partnerships were in attendance to present the report, and a presentation was given which highlighted that:

·       The model had consolidated customer service and library functions. It had been piloted in Dewsbury and Huddersfield before expanding to ten locations, and had been designed to be adaptive, inclusive, and community?focused.

·       The hubs offered a range of support levels, from unassisted self?serve to full staff?led assistance for more complex enquiries.?Services and partners played a wider, integrated role within the Library Hubs.

·       Early learning from the ten hubs included typical enquiry durations and common complex customer issues, such as Blue Badge applications, council tax and benefits, housing solutions, local welfare provision, and disabled travel support.

·       Future developments included increased joint working with wider services, the creation of a new webpage and support clinics, exploration of opportunities to extend the model and building on lessons learned.

·       Volunteer support remained a key component, with more than 400 volunteers across 24 sites and there were plans to expand roles and diversify the volunteer base.

·       Volunteers received consistent, high?quality induction and training opportunities, and volunteer retention remained consistently strong.

·       As the programme moved into its operational delivery phase, the recommendations asked members of the Panel to note the progress of the Integrated Hubs and Early Learning Programme and to support its transition into an operational delivery phase, with appropriate governance and performance monitoring.

At the close of the presentation, questions and comments were invited from Committee Members, with the following issues being covered:

·       In response to questions in relation to safety and support for volunteers, it was explained that volunteers were supported by a paid member of staff and were guided by established policies and training.

·       In relation to the opening hours of the ten hubs, it was noted that opening hours had been informed by public consultation, resulting in a range of operating hours across the hubs based on the needs of that locality.

·       In relation to raising awareness of the activities and services offered by libraries, it was advised that work was ongoing to raise awareness, including through an expanded social media campaign.

·       In relation to how effectiveness was measured, particularly for vulnerable people, it was highlighted that previously support had not always been specialised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

The report sets out details of the draft Member Development Framework that seeks to support the development of all Councillors in Kirklees, providing them with the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles.

Contact: Leigh Webb, Head of Governance

The Committee considered a report, which set out the detail of the draft Member Development Framework, presented by Leigh Webb, Head of Governance. Samantha Lawson, Service Director, Legal, Governance and Commissioning and Deborah Nicholson, Councillor Support and Liaison Manager were also in attendance.

Councillor Nosheen Dad, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Corporate was in attendance and expressed thanks to officers for producing the framework, highlighting the importance of engagement on the proposals, including with this Committee.

The framework sought to support the development of all Councillors, providing them with the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles effectively and deliver the Council’s strategic priorities.  The Committee was invited to provide feedback in advance of it being submitted to Council for approval.

The presentation explained that:

·       The framework built upon and enhanced the work already undertaken to support Councillors.

·       The Corporate Peer Challenge had recommended continued work on strengthening governance, including clearer reports, Member development programmes and Councillor behaviours.

·       Officers, Cabinet, OSMC, and Group Leaders had provided feedback, which supported an improved Councillor training and development offer and emphasised the need for Councillor involvement in shaping it.

·       Feedback had highlighted the need to include mentoring, peer support, and consideration of making training mandatory for being on certain committees.

·       The mandatory element was proposed to be expanded to the Appeals Panel and the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

·       The importance of promoting and communicating the Councillor–Officer protocol to ensure consistent adherence.

·       Opportunities to create ways for Councillors and frontline staff to build stronger working relationships had also been identified for further exploration.

·       Meetings had taken place with all political Groups in August 2025, with additional input gathered from the Standards Committee and Independent Persons.

·       Groups had been asked what they wanted to see in the development programme, how engagement and attendance could be improved, and how monitoring and reporting should take place.

·       The approach was intended to be fluid to ensure that the support was developed according to Members’ needs and feedback was encouraged as the programme developed.

·       All feedback would be incorporated into the final Councillor Development Framework.

·       The framework was scheduled to be taken to Council on 11 March 2026 for approval with a planned launch at the 2026 Councillor Induction.

·       It was emphasised that attendance was encouraged from experienced Councillors as well as those new to the role.

·       Ongoing development of the training and development programme would then continue after the initial launch.

Questions and comments were invited from Committee Members, with the following issues being covered:

·       All Group Leaders and their deputies had been invited to contribute, and contact had been made with independent Councillors, the framework had also been considered by the Standards Committee and a meeting of Group Business Managers. It was noted that the final decision would be taken by Council, giving all 69 Members the opportunity to be sighted on the framework and to provide input.

·       The view was expressed that engagement via Group Business Managers and Leaders may not reflect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.