Council recognised for excellence in Elected Member Development

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to have recently achieved Elected Member Development Charter Level 2, recognising the council’s commitment to helping ensure good practice and continuous improvement for its Elected Members.

The Charter aims to improve Elected Member performance and help achieve council objectives by responding to corporate and strategic priorities, ensuring that Members are supported to carry out their community leadership role in a complex and changing environment.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth was delighted to accept the award from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association at last night’s Council meeting;

We were first awarded Charter status in December 2015 which was the first year of the new council. To go on and achieve Charter Level 2, at the end of the first term of the Council, is significant and recognises a clear and ongoing commitment to Elected Member development to support them in their role as leaders of their local communities.”

The Council was recognised for the strong learning culture and partnership working with stakeholders that has helped to drive significant benefits for the community including business and employment opportunities. There is an established cross-party Elected Member Development Working Group that meets on a regular basis and investment in Member development is regularly evaluated in terms of impact on performance for Members, the Council and the Community.