Member Development Skills Portal FAQ

1. How confidential is my data?

All data is stored on a secure server. Each Councillor is given their own account and their own secure log in, they will only be able to view their own information. A designated support officer/s at your authority can be assigned as an administrator, therefore they will be able to view all data from across the authority. The administrator will only be able to view data from their own authority - data from other councils is not shared.

2. What happens once I get my feedback?

The designated support officer can hold 1-2-1 sessions to discuss the feedback and any development needs of the councillor. If the authority wishes, the feedback reports can be held from view until the meeting. Alternatively, the support officer may wish to hold a training session for all members, from this the emphasis is on the councillor facilitating their own development.

3. Can the Skills Portal be personalised?

Yes - the authority's logo can be added to the homepage along with introductory text. Additionally, the 'learning solutions' report can be tailored by including relevant courses and resources that your authority offers (see question 6).

4. Do I need to be an IT whizz?

No, not at all! The Portal can be used by anyone. It's internet based and there are simple instructions to follow. There is also a short demonstration video and help guide included on the Portal homepage. Further support can be accessed by contacting SEE.

5. How does a Councillor go about requesting 360 degree feedback?

A Councillor simply needs to log on and under the 'My 360' tab, add a Contributor. This Contributor can be anybody, whether it is a member of their organisation or somebody outside the authority - all they need is an email address and access to the internet. An email will be sent out to the Contributor and that person with be able to input their assessment of the Councillor online.

6. What choice do we have over the learning catalogue that is attached to the Skills Portal?

Each authority can imbed their own learning catalogue into the system, allowing their own events, training and resources to be added. All authorities will have access to the SEE learning catalogue too.

7. Is the 360 degree feedback anonymous?

Yes. A Councillor will only receive a report of their Contributor’s feedback when more than 3 people have inputted their assessment.

8. Does the system automatically create a PDP?

No, but it does identify development needs and necessary training interventions that are fundamental to creating an effective PDP.

9. What do we get for our license fee?

The license fee covers full use of the portal for all Councillors and Administrators. It also covers all support, hosting, and maintenance of the system.

10. Are we able to receive extra training?

Yes - please contact training@seemp.co.uk and we can explore your training needs.

11. How easy is the system to set up and start using?

Very easy. It takes no work from you IT department. It can take as little as an hour or two.

12. What are the advantages of getting three year deal?

There is an economic advantage as we are able to provide significant discounts to the license cost. Moreover, you are able to provide a sophisticated member development solution for the full term of your Councillors, thus ensuring they are receiving the best development analysis.

If your query has not be answered from these FAQs, please email training@seemp.co.uk or call 01962 840664.