An award has been presented to St Albans district council for its excellent support given to councillors.
It won the Elected Member Development Charter Award from the East of England Local Government Association, because of the training opportunities and development programmes on offer.
This includes induction courses for new councillors, and specific issue courses for those experienced in local politics – about planning, finance, licencing, and community engagement.
Cllr Frances Leonard, St Albans Mayor, received a framed certificate from Cllr Mandy Perkins, deputy leader of Welwyn Hatfield borough council, before a full council meeting on Wednesday February 22.
An external report recommended the council apply for the highest possible award, Charter Plus status, in the next 18 months.
Councillor Alun Davies, chair of the council’s member development steering group, said: “I am delighted we have earned this award for excellence.
“Local authorities carry out a lot of important, complex and challenging work.”
He said councillors shouldn’t be thrown in the deep end and expected to swim, and it is important they are trained for the role.
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