Award for helping Councillors
St Albans City and District Council was presented with a top award last night for the support provided to its Councillors.
It was given the Elected Member Development Charter Award by the East of England Local Government Association.
This recognises local authorities which offer Councillors outstanding training opportunities and development programmes so they can be more effective.
Councillor Frances Leonard, Mayor of St Albans City and District, received the framed certificate before a meeting of the full Council on Wednesday 22 February.
It was handed over by Councillor Mandy Perkins, Deputy Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, on
behalf of the EELGA.
St Albans Council’s work in supporting its Councillors was examined against national guidelines and shown
to demonstrate “excellence”.
A report by an external assessment team concluded the Council achieved best practices in supporting Councillors in their role as community leaders.
It also recommended that the Council apply for Charter Plus status – the highest possible award – within the next 18 months. The Council offers induction courses to new Councillors and the chance to go on courses on specific issues as they settle into their role.
These include planning, finance, licensing and community engagement.
Councillor Alun Davies, Chair of the Council’s Member Development Steering Group, said: “I am delighted we have earned this award for excellence.
“Local authorities carry out a lot of important, complex and challenging work. Councillors shouldn’t be thrown in the deep end and expected to swim.
“It’s vital that they’re given every chance to train for their role and develop the required knowledge and skills during their term of office.
“This award shows that we are doing that and we are now aiming for Charter Plus status, the gold standard in this area.”
Councillor contact:
Cllr Alun Davies, Chair of the Member Development Steering Group of St Albans City and District Council
Tel 07779 616006 Email: cllr.a.davies@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Tel: 01727 296130, E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk