Issue - meetings

To receive a discussion paper on Face to Face vs Online Learning

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Face to Face vs Online Learning.

Audio Recording – 15 minutes 7 seconds

The HR Services Manager presented the Information Note entitled ‘Face to Face vs Online Learning’ and advised that:

·                Since the pandemic, learning had changed which also includes apprenticeship training. During 2020, training sessions and meetings were held virtually. However, now the Council was using a mixture of online and ‘in person’ workshops and courses to provide training.

·                The virtual new starter sessions started in 2020 to introduce the new staff and these are now held between alternate online and face to face sessions, to allow staff flexibility for their own personal situation.

·                Training providers were benefitting from the use of online polls, breakout rooms and word clouds at online sessions.

·                There were huge benefits to both methods allowing more flexibility regarding work patterns and preferences which helped to make training inclusive and accessible to all employees.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Clare Strong

·                Councillor Terry Hone

·                Councillor Tom Plater

In response to questions, the HR Services Manager stated that:

·                Feedback forms were reviewed after each training course. Feedback received from online training provided during 2020 suggested that most staff did not want all training to remain online.

·                If a certain training session worked better online as opposed to face to face, or vice versa, the comments from the feedback forms would highlight this.

·                There was not a 100% answer to whether training result were better online or in person. Different trainings and meetings had different needs and scenarios. It was thought a balance between the two options was the most effective way to carry out training, dependant on the needs of the employee.

·                Questions were asked about the more difficult training sessions, such as Safeguarding. Although some people preferred to have this training face to face, others were more comfortable carrying this training out online, to be able to switch off their camera and take a break if needed. Trainers would also allow staff to exit the room if needed, so there was not one clear format that would work for everyone.

·                It was felt that hybrid meetings did work well within the Council. Hybrid training sessions with some people in the room and some people online had not worked as well. This could be implemented if the need was there from staff members.

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Face to Face vs Online Learning.