Charters Awarded in 2007 - What They Say
Congratulations to Bolton Council, Cumbria CC, Eden DC, Knowsley MBC, Macclesfield BC, Sefton MBC and Trafford MBC, who have been awarded the Charter this year!
This brings the total of authorities in the region that have been awarded the Charter to 38. All seven authorities will be awarded their Charters at the Celebration Event on 23 November.
Below are quotations from the authorities on how they feel at being awarded the Charter.
Bolton Council
“Councillors are a cross section of the public: they are all from different backgrounds. Some are very experienced in the role, others fairly new to it and, as with any group of people, levels of skills and knowledge vary. The Charter award celebrates the tailored development we offer to individual Councillors. Our approach caters for any specific development needs individual Councillors have as well as offering core training in areas like planning, licensing and scrutinising the work of the Council.”
Sean Harris, Chief Executive
“As a Council, we strive to deliver our Vision – the long term plan for the borough agreed with our partner organisations. Our Vision is all about improving the quality of life for Bolton citizens and the award of the Charter applauds one of the key measures we have put in place to help our Councillors to achieve that.”
Councillor Clifford Morris, Leader of the Council
“Bolton’s Councillors have shown a 100% commitment to their development – they all have a personal development plan. These plans ensure they get the right training, where it’s needed, to both fulfil their current role effectively and to face future challenges of representing and leading our communities to make them stronger and more prosperous.”
Councillor Frank White, Executive Member for HR, Performance and Development
Cumbria County Council
"Member leadership and development is crucial for the County Council and also very important for overall morale and motivation. When employees see Members investing in their own learning, it sets a very high standard for all to follow."
Peter Stybelski, Chief Executive
"Cumbria County Council is committed to help members play their key role in community leadership. We want to ensure that they are fully equipped to mould the county and their communities to a place that gets maximum benefit from government at a local, regional and national level. To do this, members constantly need to keep topping up their skills and knowledge. This is true whether they are relatively new or are seasoned members. We are thrilled to receive the Member Development Charter as recognition of our structured approach, and as a basis for us to now look forward to achieving level two of the Charter."
Councillor Tim Stoddard, Leader of the Council and Councillor Jack Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Human Resources and Organisational Development
Eden District Council
“Eden District Council was proud to receive the Chartermark for Member Development on 10 October. Despite being one of the more sparsely populated but largest geographic areas, with all the special difficulties that creates, we've learnt a lot from the accreditation process. With the hard work and dedication of our small group of Officers and the eagerness of our Members to learn we've ‘dun awreet!”
Councillor Colin Nineham, Joint Leader and Member Training Champion
“I am absolutely delighted with the announcement that the Council has been successful in achieving the Members’ Chartermark. It is a just reward for all the hard work and commitment that the Members’ Training Group and the Officers put in to reach the required standard. Being a small Council that covers such a large rural area we have to rely heavily on all Councillors to not only be able to deal with local issues but also to advocate for the Council on the wider strategic issues. The Council recognised that this required a real commitment to training and development and the Members’ Chartermark process has given impetus and focus to that work. All those involved deserve credit for achieving this award.”
Kevin Douglas, Chief Executive
Macclesfield Borough Council
"We are very pleased to be granted the Charter award: we feel strongly that Member updating and training development is an important prerequisite to achieve our Corporate objectives. The award of the Charter is a stimulus for all of us to continue our efforts to the ultimate benefit of the people we represent.”
Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of the Council
“We are extremely pleased that the Council has been formally recognised for its work on Member Development. The award reinforces the commitment the Council has to its Members on training and development.”
Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Gilliland, Deputy Leader of the Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
"This is an excellent result and a good day for Sefton Council and all of its Elected Members."
Councillor Mrs Brenda Porter, Chair of the Member Development Group
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
“This award is excellent news for Trafford - a lot of time and effort has gone into Member development from both staff and Members, led by Councillor John Lamb and Norma Collins and it is to them that thanks is due. When we went for Charter status, it was with a real commitment to this area and we will continue and build on the success we have achieved to date.”
Councillor Susan Williams, Leader of Trafford Council
"I believe Trafford's all-party committee, under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Lamb and the excellent guidance of our Lead Officer Norma Collins, has created a positive and progressive structure for Member development in the future. The hard work by all concerned deserves the Charter Award but I am confident that the best is yet to come."
Councillor Ray Bowker, Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party
“Working towards achieving the Charter for Member Development has been an excellent way of sharpening our understanding about the most effective ways of supporting Elected Members in their roles. It encouraged us to improve significantly what we are doing and I'm delighted that we now have the Award.”
David McNulty, Chief Executive
"We were delighted to be recognised for the work we have undertaken in the area of Member Development. The recognition will encourage us to continue towards excellence in ensuring that Members are equipped to carry out the demanding role of Councillor."
Councillor John Lamb