1. Charter for Elected Member Development
Best practice study

2. Contents Introduction Areas of focus Outputs Contributors
We need to make sure we have the skills and expertise to continue delivering for our communities.
Contents
Introduction
Areas of focus
Outputs
Contributors
Lines of enquiry
High level findings
Lord Gary Porter
LGA Chairman

3. Charter has inspired us to raise the standard of our learning and development offer and interventions.
Introduction
The Member Development Charter and Charter Plus were introduced in 2004 to promote member development across local government and provide councils with a robust, enabling framework.
The Charter framework – three essential criteria:
Today, approximately half of all councils in England hold Charter status.
There is a clear commitment to councillor development and support
The council has a strategic approach to councillor development
Learning and development is effective in building councillor capacity
Peter Gadsdon
The London Borough of Brent

4. Charter has helped to bring member development to life in a way I’ve not seen anywhere else.
Areas of focus
Essex County Council
The London Borough of Brent
East Hampshire District Council
Councillor Lesley Wagland
Essex County Council
Drivers
Value
Benefits
Raise the profile of councillor development as a strategic priority
Celebrate progress
Identify and share best practice for the benefit of current and prospective practitioners
Raise awareness of Charter as an effective tool

5. To become a more resilient organisation, we need to build a strong base of skilled, knowledgeable and experienced Councillors.
Outputs
Councillor Sally Pond
East Hampshire District Council

6. Contributors: Essex County Council
Development of all Members is critical to the successful delivery of our strategic priorities on behalf of the people we represent.
Contributors: Essex County Council
Councillor David Finch
Leader of the Council
Councillor Malcolm Maddocks
Chairman of the Member Development Steering Group
Councillor Lesley Wagland
Deputy Cabinet Member for Infrastructure
Mark Godson
Head of Communications, Essex Highways
Joanna Boaler
Head of Democracy and Transparency
Councillor Malcolm Maddocks

7. Contributors: The London Borough of Brent
Supporting and developing our members as community leaders is critical to the success of the Borough Plan
Contributors: The London Borough of Brent
Councillor Muhammed Butt Leader of the Council and Chair of the Member Development Steering Group
Councillor Sandra Kabir
Majority Group Chief Whip
Councillor Promise Knight
Carolyn Downs
Chief Executive
Peter Gadsdon
Director, Performance, Policy & Partnerships
Councillor Muhammed Butt
Thomas Cattermole
Head of Executive & Member Services
Jacqueline Carr, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Brent

8. Contributors: East Hampshire District Council
Councillor development is vital to help elected councillors contribute to the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities
Contributors: East Hampshire District Council
Councillor Richard Millard
Leader of the Council
Councillor Sally Pond
Chairman of the Councillor Development Panel
Councillor Ingrid Thomas
Gill Kneller
Chief Executive
2019–
Sandy Hopkins
Chief Executive
Councillor Richard Millard
Caroline Tickner
Head of Organisational Development
James Harris
Deputy Democratic Services Team Leader

9. ? ? ? ? ? ? Lines of enquiry Before and after arrangements
The value of a national standard is that it helps you avoid localised and introspective solutions.
Lines of enquiry
Before and after arrangements ?
Alignment with council strategic objectives ?
Key risks and opportunities being addressed ?
Councillor David Finch
Leader
Essex County Council
The approach to securing Charter accreditation ?
The value of the Charter framework ?
The impact of councillor development ?

10. Helping individuals develop the skills and confidence they need is a critical factor in sustainable progress.
High level findings
Drivers
Value
Benefits
Carolyn Downs
Chief Executive
The London Borough of Brent

11. It enables us to embrace the breadth of skills and experience that our elected Councillors bring to the Council
High level findings
Gill Kneller
Chief Executive
East Hampshire District Council

12. Contents Introduction Areas of focus Outputs Contributors
We need to make sure we have the skills and expertise to continue delivering for our communities.
Contents
Introduction
Areas of focus
Outputs
Contributors
Lines of enquiry
High level findings
Lord Gary Porter
LGA Chairman