Development of elected members

Central government requires that change be implemented and accountability developed within Local Authorities. This can present a real challenge for elected members especially in relation to their roles as corporate parents and scrutineers.

Some elected members lack experience, are reluctant to move with the times, or just find it difficult to keep up with the regime of Executive and Scrutiny functions.  Executives have led to expertise being confined to a few, with "backbenchers" feeling left out and uninformed.

Political sensitivities, local considerations and member/officer relations can make it difficult for officers to brief and develop elected members. We have developed tried and tested techniques for the briefing and development of individuals or groups and these will be applied to elected member development.

Many of our staff and associates have been chief officers or senior officers in Local Authorities and can bring considerable experience and expertise to bear on matters of the moment and processes. We can talk to members without the political machinery and challenges which local government officers have to deal with every day.

We can:

• offer general training to new and experienced members;
• offer more specific training and advice on Executive and Scrutiny functions;
• provide external advice and support to the Scrutiny function, to school organisation committees and to school of forums;
• give an external and objective view on issues such as the development of children's services;
• prepare elected members for inspections;
• give training on members’ roles as corporate parents.

Find out more
For more details, or to talk about your possible needs in development of elected members, please call us on 01223 463915 or email us at info@camb-ed.com.

To discuss your local and national government services needs call Ella Baker on 01223 463751