Issue - meetings

The purpose of the paper is to identify topics that will come to the attention of the Committee in the next twelve months and to seek Members input into future agendas.  Suggestions on future training are also requested.

The Committee and board considered the report, presented by Thomas Skeen, on the Forward Plan. The Forward Plan identified topics that would come to the attention of the Committee in the next twelve months and to seek Members input into future agendas. Suggestions on future training are also requested. The plan sets out the key activities anticipated in the coming twelve months in the areas of governance, members/employers, investments and accounting. The Committee and Board was invited to consider whether it wished to amend future agenda items as set out in the work plan.

The Committee was told that this was a standard item that is considered at every meeting. The Committee’s attention was drawn to the need for all members to complete the Public Sector Tool Kit and that it was a legal requirement for them to do so. 

In discussion, the value of continuing to be a subscriber to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) was questioned. It was noted that several of the training courses that Members are invited to participate in are free and at no cost to the Council. With the various number of free training courses available, it was suggested that the Council reviews its continuing subscription to PLSA. In response, the Council highlighted that PLSA do provide a number of live training events and various seminars online but that this subscription could be reviewed to establish cost effectiveness.

It was noted that training provided by the Council is required. Members are not compelled to do any additional training outside of the Public Sector Tool Kit and the training sessions before committee meetings. It was, however, ideal that members participate in training courses, wherever possible to continue development. There was agreement amongst the Committee that the training sessions provided before the sessions were of great value to Members.

Resolved

The Committee noted the report and the forward plan.