Councillor Rupert Simmons highlighted the fact that East Sussex recently became the first County Council in the South East to retain the ‘Charter for Member Development' after becoming the first County Authority in the region to gain the accolade back in 2007.
Councillor Simmons, who together with Councillor David Elkin (Chairman of the Member Training and Development Group) was presented with the Charter at a recent Council meeting by Councillor Rory Love, Chairman of South East Employers, said: “The support we give to our councillors is becoming increasingly important as we enter a whole new world in terms of the funding and role of local government.
“If we can retain good people to stay on as councillors and hopefully encourage others to come forward and put themselves up as candidates for possible election to the County Council, then the Council and our local communities will benefit.
“That is why I was delighted to accept the Charter as recognition of the work we have done so far.”
The County Council gained the Charter following a root and branch look at all aspects of member support and development. During the assessment the Council was commended for several aspects of its work, including:
- Member support ‘embedded' in the culture of the organisation
- Value for money clearly demonstrated when it comes to member training
- A special Member Development Group which co-ordinates the member support work
- A good working relationship between councillors and officers
- Excellent IT support for councillors
To find out more please visit our page about local elections and becoming a councillor.
Reference:
2901
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council