A quality standard recognising the Council’s commitment to helping ensure good practice and continuous improvement for its Elected Members.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, was joined by fellow Elected Members to receive the award at a reception in the Theatre at The Mill last week, he said;
I am delighted that the Council has once again achieved the Charter Plus accreditation. The assessment panel reported a very strong submission, which is evidence of a strategic approach and embedded practices and processes for high quality member development, resulting in impressive service delivery outcomes. I would to thank my fellow Elected Members for their continuing commitment to professional and continuous development, and to the Council officers for their support.”
Presenting the award Fiona Douglas from NILGA, commended the Council on their leadership she said;
“Antrim and Newtownabbey members and officers are offering excellent leadership in their Borough and this sustained Charter Plus Award is a precursor of more great results. This formal re-accreditation is incredibly well deserved and we look forward to supporting the Council on its continued Councillor development pathway to excellence.”
Chair of the Elected Member Working Group, Councillor Rosin Lynch also commented;
“ The Charter has challenged us to look more carefully at our needs both individually and organisationally, and ask are we doing the best we can. It has helped member development evolve into something we can be proud of.”
The Member Development Charter Plus accreditation aims to improve Councillor performance and help achieve council objectives by responding to corporate and strategic priorities, ensuring that Councillors are supported to carry out their community leadership role in a complex and changing environment.