The Newham Standards Committee met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to discuss a comprehensive Member Induction and Development Programme for 2026/27. This programme aims to equip new councillors with essential skills and support returning members in mentoring their colleagues.
The programme will cover a variety of topics, including safeguarding, data protection, council finances, working with residents and officers, environment and sustainable transport, commissioning and procurement, chairing skills, working with partners, communications and social media, digital transformation, climate emergency, public health, and emergency planning. Key elements include Personal Development Plans, a mix of internal and external training, mandatory sessions for Cabinet Members and those on statutory committees, and the introduction of an online Members' portal.
The council is also working towards achieving LGA Member Development Charter status by 2027. The key criteria for this status include a clear commitment to councillor development and support, a strategic approach to councillor development, and ensuring that learning and development is effective in building councillor capacity. 1
The effectiveness of the Personal Development Plans will be evaluated through a combination of feedback methods. These include anonymous evaluation questionnaires after each session, confidential meetings with the Democratic Services team, and Member Engagement workshops upon the conclusion of the programme. Members unable to attend workshops will provide year-end feedback via a questionnaire. 2
The Member Induction and Development Programme also aims to instil returning councillors with a sense of responsibility and to enable them to mentor and support new councillors. 3
Topics scheduled for discussion throughout the year include safeguarding, data protection, council finances, working with residents and officers, environment and sustainable transport, commissioning and procurement, chairing skills, working with partners, communications and social media, digital transformation, climate emergency, public health, and emergency planning.
The committee also reviewed its proposed work programmes for the remainder of the 2025/2026 municipal year and the upcoming 2026/2027 municipal year. These programmes outline standing items and anticipated topics for future discussions, including updates on complaints, the review of the Register of Interests, the Gifts and Hospitality Register, and the Standards Committee Annual Report. 4
