15.
Under reference to paragraph 11 of the minute of the meeting of Moray Council on 13 March 2019, Councillor Alexander sought an update on when Members would receive feedback on the Education Services Improvement Plan.
In response the Chief Executive confirmed that all he could report was that discussions are ongoing with Education Scotland.
Under reference to paragraph 12 of the minute of the meeting of Moray Council on 13 March 2019, Councillor Alexander sought an update on the ERDPs for CMT staff.
In response the Chief Executive confirmed that the process is underway and he apologised for not updating Councillor Alexander to that effect.
Under further reference to paragraph 12 of the minute of the meeting of Moray Council on 13 March 2019, Councillor Alexander sought clarification on whose failing the Convener referred to.
In response the Convener stated that she suggested it was the Elected Member’s failing that they had not used the opportunity to explore the paper as well as they should have done prior to the last meeting.
Councillor Alexander sought clarification on the position on the Chair of Grampian Valuation Joint Board, as he understood that the position used to rotate around the 3 constituent authorities.
In response, Councillor Leadbitter, as Chair of Grampian Valuation Joint Board confirmed that the constitution of the Board has not changed and therefore the Chair is always a Moray councillor.
Councillor Alexander further asked whether this was a burden financially and in staffing on Moray Council.
In response, Councillor Leadbitter confirmed that all associated admin, legal and financial costs are recharged to the Board.
The Convener joined Councillor Warren in congratulating the 7 Moray schools which had taken part in the Glee competition and in particular Bishopmill Primary who won and now go on to represent Moray in the Scottish finals at the Caird Hall in Dundee on 9 June 2019. They also congratulated Findochty Primary School in winning the spirit of Glee competition for their good behaviour.
Councillor Coy sought clarification on how the behaviours of some Councillors towards each other and staff can be addressed.
In response, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed that regular training takes place on the Councillors Code of Conduct and updates from the Standards Commission and he would be happy to look at providing a session on respect, which is one of the key principles within the code.
The Corporate Director (Corporate Services) further added that as part of the commitment in the culture work being carried out ‘Leading by Example’ and Self Regulation were a couple of the points made, for Councillors setting that example. The Corporate Director (Corporate Services) agreed to circulate that information round to Members as well as the training session.
Councillor Ross further suggested that use of Social Media also be included in the training.
The Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed that social media is one of the areas that the Standards Commission and Scottish Government are looking to update around the Code of Conduct.
Councillor Eagle requested whether the Chief Executive could provide a confidential 3 minute brief to Group Leaders on the discussions with Education Scotland.
In response the Chief Executive said he would be happy to discuss the matter in the confidential section of the meeting.