Role-playing could help conquer challenging and questionable behaviour of Isle of Wight Council planning committee members.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has reviewed the Island’s planning set-up and recommended drama sessions as a way to overcome recent issues regarding the Island’s planning system.
Security guards had to be called to a recent planning committee meeting due to arguments and infighting, with these problems, LGA officials say, resulting in reputational damage to the Isle of Wight Council as well as saying that the behaviour of a few members ‘needs to change’.
Awareness of an individual’s behaviours could be raised by using drama-based learning techniques, such as role-playing, “to explore behaviours, change mindsets and enhance relationships at work”.
The LGA said the creation of a safe space for councillors to explore their actions and behaviours in work settings to improve effectiveness could transform the situation.
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said all suggestions put to them by the LGA will be considered as part of an action plan. The cost of role-play exercises has yet to be determined, whilst those local businesses that provide that service have refused to comment.
The LGA also suggested an urgent refresh of the council’s constitution and protocols, as they have been at the heart of some of the problems including the eligibility of a councillor to vote on an application if they have not been on a site visit or are the ward member with the LGA pointing out that councillors should not have made up their minds prior to the deciding council meeting.
Officials said councillors need to think strategically when it comes to planning matters and ‘not purely focus on local ward issues’.
The LGA also said there is a need for greater clarity on the different roles councillors play on the committee and for members’ awareness to be raised about the risk of a legal challenge, due to the cost unguarded comments made in committee meetings could have.
An action plan is set to be approved in the coming month to react to the findings of the LGA review.
Oh boy do the councillors need a safe space. What a huge waste of money, just handle the comments people make about you, most councillors are on the take. Just clear this lot out and get Johnny Rotten in charge.
Where the problem occurs is who decides at what level people are removed from the chamber
For as we see in all media, freedom of speech is slowly but surely being taken from us.
So, if a group of Cllrs ‘were’ dishonest and yet one or two were outside that group were upstanding and true, then the dishonest bunch could get the one or two honest members removed.
As we see now, anything true which is said against minority groups is often not allowed and I can only imagine any councillor speaking out against mass building being given permission or questioning the realationship between those on planning & developers are at risk
Heaven’s above, what is this a primary school we’re talking about
primary schools generally have higher standards of behaviour.
my sentiments entirely!
What a load of hogwash! Just get rid of the troublemaker(s) and disrupter(s) who have an undue influence on committee decisions.
Otherwise you are just excusing unacceptable behaviour.
I’m so pleased to our council tax money being spent wisely! They all need a swift kick up the backside.
Errmm…sounds awfully like the thought police. Typical labour woke construct. People can be passionate about their beliefs. They don’t need a brain reset.
Kids in a playground ,,, ffs grow up .
this is very embarrassing for the council
Farcical. And it all costs US money!
Sack them, they are not fit for purpose.
Priceless!!
how old are these people? 7?
so, in all seriousness, how much is this costing, and not just to our reputation?
how about role playing as some one that knows what they’re doing!
So we spend a lot of money to a drama consultant to stop someone being an idiot? Meanwhile in the real world you get sacked if you disrupt the workplace, time to get real council!
So Councillor Brody would you like to play the part of Paranoid Panto Dame today and try your best not to be your usual obnoxious self.
Why not roll play at saying NO to contentious planning applications absolutely ridiculous, Vote the trouble makers out of office at the next election.
how about lessons in how to behave like responsible adults, i am sure there are many preschool children who would be happy to give them lessons even if it were only to bring them up to the levels of self discipline they have in school.
“Role-playing could help conquer challenging and questionable behaviour of Isle of Wight Council”
Who will be the mistress and which will be the slave? Maybe some will start wearing nappies.
How bout grow up and get on with the job
What a load of bollocks.
Wast my council tax.
As a former District Councillor and a member of Planning Committee I find this story of infighting and childish behaviour to be beyond belief. Elected members should ALWAYS remember that they are in that position because their constituents believed in them and chose them at the ballot box. They are betraying the voters’ trust and should be mightily ashamed.
Elected, and these are the best of the crop, no? Surely there are no other islanders who are as mature and sensible as these fine ELECTED people. Idk who to blame, the councillors or the people who voted these morons in. These are the best people the island have to offer and they are elected officials, voted for by the Islanders. Any behavioural problems are an afterthought…but if people were a wee bit more selective of those they want to lead them maybe everyone wouldn’t be paying for these roleplay sessions…
Role playing, really?
How about you all sit down and work out who is responsible for non-floatymcredface?
You could play, pass the hot potato, or ring a ring the jenny boat…
Maybe even hide and seek (when you publish the next council tax rise)
Or climb aboard the magic St Mary’s roundabout? What about, haven’t got a cluedo.
No we are well versed in the Council’s role play….it is a first class Brian Rix Farce!!
I’ll wake up in a minute and it will all be a dream !
What a load of tosh .. sack the lot of them ‘not fit for purpose’
Awareness of an individual’s behaviours could be raised by using drama-based learning techniques, such as role-playing, “to explore behaviours, change mindsets and enhance relationships at work”.
I’ve found disciplinary measures work just as well and you don’t have to waste everyone’s time and money on playing make believe.
This is insulting to all hard-working islanders, doing regular jobs that require effort and dedication, for bosses who expect a decent level of behaviour and dignity in the workplace. We would be dismissed, not sent to drama school!
If our councillors behave like teenagers, how are our teenagers expected to behave?? Hmmm, worrying!