Published on:
27
March 2008
Almost one year after the last local government elections Clackmannanshire's 18 councillors have completed their comprehensive induction programme.
The programme covered a wide range of competencies to ensure that the elected members can effectively carry out their duties.
The induction programme was introduced as part of the wide range of changes to local government which coincided with last year's elections.
Now a protocol for member training and development opportunities is being introduced to ensure that members can build on their existing skills and knowledge and have the chance to be kept up to date with legal changes.
Some of the areas covered in the induction were:
Councillors serving on the Licensing Board completed compulsory training on liquor licensing laws. This training required every Board member to pass a qualification enabling them to fulfil the responsibilities that come with Licensing Board membership
Members also attended briefings with partner organisations to learn more about the Council's relationship with other public bodies and partnership working.
For the first time, councillors have role descriptions, similar to a job description, which set out their roles, tasks and accountabilities.
Each Councillor has participated in a training needs assessment interview that has informed their personal development plan.
Council leader Janet Cadenhead said: "Since the changes at last election councillors are now far more heavily involved in the workings of the Council and attend a larger number of working groups, panels and forums in addition to the cycle of council and committee meetings and surgery work. I think the government's aim was to renew local democracy and with the intensive induction and training programme now in place there is no excuse for being unaware of the latest thinking on any topic, which can only be good for democracy and good for the residents of Clackmannanshire."
The Local Governance (Scotland) Act introduced a number of changes which came into force at the elections on 3rd May 2007. These included a basic salary of £15,452 for councillors and a pension scheme; a severance scheme for long-standing councillors; the single transferable vote system being used at the election and the introduction of multi-member wards.
Clackmannanshire is served by 18 councillors in 5 wards. Councillor and ward information is published on the Council website www.clacksweb.org.uk or you can contact member services on 01259 452011 for details on how to contact your local members.