The Head of Governance presented a report to provide members with an update on training and development of members.

The key points to note are:

The report from Hymans Robertson on our results in the 2022 National Knowledge Assessment has been received. An updated version is expected to correct the figure shown on our completion rate. It currently states 94% but we are fully compliant and do have a 100% rate.

An analysis of individual member results will be carried out in due course. This will be used to guide the training events for the next year.

The initial results set out in the report show that the overall average score for the

Authority of all participating Authority and Local Pension Board members was 57.01%, ranking the Authority as 9th across 17 Funds who participated. The highest score nationally was 62.50% and the lowest 45.34%.

Some scores were amended due to error when inputting the original figures. Some fields were marked as 0% when n/a was appropriate. The average score for the Board members was 60%, compared with an average of 55% for Authority members.

N. Doolan-Hamer commented that the wording of the questions caused problems when trying to complete the assessments. Pensions is not something she does full time and some were quite technical.

The Head of Governance agreed with the point and in a feedback session with Hymans, it has been agreed to look at a more scenario/case study type assessment to reflect the role of members more accurately.

R. Nurennabi concurred with the observations on the assessment. The challenge for members is keeping up with legislative changes such as the McCloud judgement and the new Pensions Dashboard. Sessions on those as appropriate would be appreciated.

The Head of Governance advised that planned away day for members will have outside experts on hand to deliver material and speak to members. It will be a joint event with Authority members so it will be a good chance for everyone to interact and increase and share knowledge.

K. Richardson asked about the two day induction course he attend when previously serving on the Authority. Is this still available?

The Director advised, that was the LGA Fundamentals course. It does still take place and any member of the Authority or Board would be supported if they wished to participate. The time commitment is considerable as the course now runs over three full days, hence the reason for developing the on-line training facility which is more flexible.

The Head of Governance added an internal induction course for new members is being developed that will run for 12 months providing support.

D. Webster asked if in addition to the joint training with Authority members, will bespoke training for the Board be made available given the different roles. The Head of Governance confirmed that it would.

The Chair welcomed the joint away day Could basic pensions administration training be provided to go along side the technical aspects of the scheme.

The Director advised reading material is available for members if they wish. In addition the Members Handbook is available. The Handbook is currently being updated and will be issued when available.

The Head of Governance also noted the paperless office training will be delivered as the Authority moves to using the Modern.gov app for meeting papers etc from June 2023.

RESOLVED: Members a. Noted the current position and welcome progress made in relation to compliance with mandatory training requirements.

b. Noted the initial results of the 2022 National Knowledge Assessment