The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded a South East Employers (SEE) ‘charter mark’ following an assessment by a panel from the mainland which highlights its good practice in member development.

SEE head of improvement and governance Mark Palmer said:

“The Isle of Wight Council has demonstrated a high level of commitment to member development. The assessment team were pleased to see the whole council leading and supporting the implementation of the Charter objectives.”
 
Leaders of all the council’s political groups signed up to the assessment process in April this year and has been recognised for its good work in making councillors more responsive to the needs of their community.

The council has to ensure that members can access training about their responsibilities as elected members as well as being made aware of their legal duties.  Members are also given training if required about what services a local authority can provide.
 
The drive to improve member performance was spearheaded by a cross-party working group chaired by independent councillor Muriel Miller she said:

“After a very difficult year for the council, both for members and officers alike, I am very pleased that we can end 2007 on a positive note by gaining the Charter Mark.
 
“We can go forward into 2008 knowing that a framework is now in place to ensure that members are aware of their responsibilites so that they can better serve their communities.”

SEE is one of the nine regional employers organisations which represent the interests of local authorities and public sector bodies in England.
 
Island Pulse.