The IS has published the findings of its consultation on the draft National Elected Member Development Strategy for Local Government.
During January and February 2009, the IS consulted with local authorities and other relevant national organisations on a Draft National Elected Member Development Strategy for Scottish Local Government. Twenty-two responses were received, with respondents overwhelmingly positive about the vision, aims, benefits and deliverables of the draft strategy.Among the findings were:
- 72% of those who responded felt that the strategy's vision and strategic aims were appropriate to support the development needs of elected members in Scottish local government.
- 82% of respondents felt that the benefits underpinning the strategy were clear and comprehensive.
- 88% of respondents were in favour of developing national and regional co-ordinated development programmes on a collaborative basis to support elected members’ development needs, and four-fifths supported the delivery of such development programmes on a cross-council basis where appropriate
- 89% of respondents felt that it would be desirable for councils to offer a local development programme to their elected members, which would provide access to relevant national and regional programmes, with many noting that this was already in place within their council.
- 59% of respondents were in favour of exploring opportunities between local government and the university sector for accreditation. Of the remainder, 29% did not think accreditation should be sought and 12% were unsure.
- 94% of respondents felt that it was desirable that the IS and councils should develop a national standard for Elected Member development.
Over the summer, COSLA and the IS will establish a national Elected Member Development working group consisting of between 6 and 8 councils to further develop and support the implementation of the strategy and a political reference group within COSLA to oversee and direct the working group.
Further information is available from Sarah Gadsden on 01506 775570.
