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Member development in Chorley is led by a cross-party group chaired by executive member, Cllr John Walker. When neighbourhood working started, the group developed a programme to support councillors and maximise opportunities for involvement and learning. Neighbourhood working in Chorley is about action on the ground, with seven virtual teams from across the council working with the county and parish councils and local communities to improve areas. It was embraced by elected members of all parties who wanted to be involved in contributing to outcomes in their area. This fits with the culture of member development in Chorley which led to Level one of the North West Employers Member Development Charter in 2006, and level two in 2009. The neighbourhood working programme started in 2008 with: all 47 members involved in ‘ward walks' to highlight issues, aspirations and ideas for change a review of member personal development plans (PDPs), including learning outcomes from ‘ward walks' developed into monthly sessions covering everything from workshops on planning processes to community safety initiatives and dog-fouling the launch of Neighbourhood Action Plans on a ‘tour of the borough' for councillors to look at wider issues, with a focus on problem-solving, potential solutions, and funding sources individual neighbourhood tours of each area with key partners to help deliver some real action on the ground. The learning for most councillors was ward-focused, since most were already great champions in their own areas. They soaked up how they could influence action or initiate change, and understand how working with partners could create new ideas and bring influence to resolve problems. The programme was developed with local members for local members, focusing specifically on what would harness and sustain enthusiasm, as well as development, rather than best practice. Ward walks, traditional sessions, workshops, tours with partners and using voting handsets proved a successful mix of learning, and attendance figures and feedback bear this out. There is a culture of member learning in Chorley across all parties, with member learning being both high profile and valued. Leader of the council, Peter Goldsworthy, said: ‘Nothing stands still here. New initiatives, alterations in partnership roles, changes in funding and inspection regimes mean we must commit to ongoing learning through a variety of means.' As part of improvements, a new fortnightly e-bulletin was developed for members, called intheknow and providing bite-sized updates about key issues. This has been an unqualified success and a key communication tool. Neighbourhood issues and member-development opportunities are regular features. The programme is largely delivered in-house for minimal cost, involving all councillors for less than £2,500 – and most of that being transport. Feedback has been great, especially around the value of being ‘on-site'. Evidence of making ‘a real difference' to members working effectively in their communities, tackling issues and championing project success, can also be seen following a survey of residents in 2009, when satisfaction with the advice and support provided by elected members increased form 49.8% to 67.7%. For further information about the above winner, contact Carol Russell, democratic services manager, at Chorley Council, carol.russell@chorley.gov.uk

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WHITEHALL

The MJ Achievement Awards 2010 Winner - Councillor Development

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