Minutes:
The Head of Pensions (LGPS) noted that Officers were reviewing a new online training offering which would support the mandatory training requirement for members of the Local Pension Board (LPB). While the requirements were not the same for the Committee, he wished to note that the offering would also be suitable in supporting the development needs of the Committee, and was seeking commitment from the Committee to support the undertaking of the online training offering being considered. He asked Members for their comments.
The Chair thanked The Head of Pensions (LGPS) and noted that he felt it was important to set a good example and felt such online bite-sized learning as described would prove useful. Councillor J Atkinson noted the size of the agenda packs and the breadth of the content and welcome any training, though noted he preferred in-person rather than electronic. He added that, if possible, a reduction in the size of agenda reports would be preferable, allowing Members to concentrate on any questions.
The Chair noted he had met with the Head of Pensions (LGPS) and the Chief Executive from BCPP and noted that whilst the reports were often technical, Officers were looking at how they could continue to make the reports more digestible and easier to understand.
Councillor K Early noted that such bite-size training may be beneficial, and looking at how Members offer challenge to Officers was important, especially given the number of commitments for Members in general.
The Head of Pensions (LGPS) agreed that being a Member of the Pension Fund Committee was a significant undertaking, with responsibility for almost £3.5 billion worth of assets, and it was important to understand the governance required and to provide challenge. He noted that the training proposed was in addition to the usual training that was delivered prior to any investment decisions.
Councillor B Kellett noted, as former Chair of the Committee, and Chair at the former City of Durham Council, that normally Pension Fund Committee reports were often lengthy, and he preferred hard copies where sections could be highlighted. Councillor J Atkinson noted the use of acronyms within reports. The Corporate Director of Resources, Paul Darby noted that bespoke training would be useful which could be included in the online package proposed, in terms of what lens to look at reports, how to question Officers and provide challenge to Officers, Advisors and Fund Managers. He noted similar types of training that had been delivered to Overview and Scrutiny Members in terms of scrutinising budgets in order to be confident in holding Officers to account. The Head of Pensions (LGPS) noted in terms of acronyms, a glossary of terms and abbreviations was appended to each set of agenda papers.
Resolved:
That the Head of Pensions (LGPS) bring further information relating to the additional training offering, and future training plans back to the Committee in due course.