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• December
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• Training equips councillors for success

Training that is equipping Knowsley councillors to serve their community even better has been recognised by a prestigious national award.

The North West Charter Mark was presented to Knowsley by Rt Hon Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families for Knowsley Council’s commitment to develop and train its elected members.

Judges awarded Knowsley the Charter Mark after being impressed by the innovative approach and excellent communication strategy that drives the whole training programmes and means members are constantly informed about what sessions are available.

The Charter Mark is organised by the North West Employers Organisation (NWEO) whose aims include a commitment to better support for individual members and authorities to improve standards.

Newly elected councillors in Knowsley are kitted out with everything they need to be successful through inductions sessions to provide them with all they need to know about how the council operates and what their duties are.

A vast range of training is on offer including joint-training with neighbouring boroughs, workshops run by government agencies, IT skills, media training and even speed reading to help members tackle their ever-increasing workloads. Evaluation of the programme has shown that there is a 95% take-up for most sessions.

Knowsley is also making sure councillors make the most of the borough’s links with Germany. Trade links, sharing best practice and educational exchanges are being developed through a unique programme to help councillors learn German. For the first time this year a delegation of councillors spent a week in Knowsley’s twin town Stadt Moers learning German at the university.

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, says: “Local councillors are the voice of the people at community level and their strong leadership is essential for good local governance and the modernisation of local government. That’s why I believe that our Member Development programme is better-equipping our councillors to represent their local community well.

“Members have and are continuing to engage in the programme and the feedback is extremely positive. The public should expect and deserve the best service from their councillor.”

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