A number of Welsh authorities have recently achieved national recognition for the level of support and development provided to elected members, well in advance of new statutory expectations outlined by the Assembly Government.
Rhondda Cynon Taf is the first council to achieve Advanced Charter status, and Bridgend County Borough Council, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority were awarded Charter status. Charters are awarded to authorities in recognition of the quality of support and development they provide to elected members.
The Assembly Government’s Proposed Local Government (Wales) Measure will place new duties on each local authority to provide ‘adequate’ development and support for all councillors from 2012. To date however, 10 local authorities, all Fire and Rescue authorities and all National Park authorities already have Charter Status and there is evidence of good work undertaken by every local authority.
Steve Thomas CBE, WLGA Chief Executive said:
“The role of the councillor is hugely challenging, it requires immense personal commitment in terms of time, energy and enthusiasm, with increasing expectations and requirements being placed on councillors and on the councils in which they serve.
The WLGA is therefore proud to work with authorities in providing support, training and development opportunities for all members. This not only helps equip them with the support, knowledge and skills they require to undertake an ever evolving role, but also seeks to share their own individual experiences and expertise with others.
A lot of personal and corporate commitment from authorities goes into achieving the Charter, I would therefore like to congratulate those authorities and individual members and officers who have invested such time and energy in this rewarding process.”
The Member Charter Awards recognise the high standard of support and opportunities for development provided by local authorities to councillors, ensuring they have a clear understanding of their role, training to develop their skills, and the guidance and support they need to do the job.
The WLGA is also preparing for the needs of future councillors ahead of the 2012 local elections, and is currently working with local authorities in producing guidance materials, advice and information for candidates, as well as developing induction and training programmes for newly elected members.
