Published 18 January 2012 @ 15:40
Belfast City Council - first Council in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Charter for Elected Member Development.
Speaking at the reception in Belfast City Hall on 17th January 2012, Councillor Evelyne Robinson, NILGA President, congratulated Belfast City Council for their positive approach to Councillor development. Pointing to the need for Councillors to take the lead in difficult and changing times she said “It is absolutely incumbent on us, as Councillors, to shape and lead that change on behalf of the people we represent. Doing that means we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and understanding needed and that is why I see elected member development as crucial to the future success of local government and in turn to the wellbeing and prosperity of our communities”.
Acknowledging the hard work of the Councillors and officers of Belfast City Council to reach the standard required by the Charter, Councillor Robinson added that their achievement would act as an inspiration to other Councils pursuing the Charter.
The Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, said: “The roles and skills required by elected members are complex, challenging and constantly evolving. It is therefore a real coup for Belfast City Council to be recognised for its innovative and proactive approach in ensuring that we all as politicians are equipped with the necessary skills to undertake our roles to the best of our abilities.
“I am delighted that we in Belfast City Council are reflecting best practice and at the forefront of leading initiatives that will ultimately benefit our city and its citizens”.
Six other councils in Northern Ireland have commenced work on meeting the Charter standard;
· Strabane District Council,
· Armagh City and District, Banbridge District and Craigavon Borough Councils (working in partnership), and
· Down and Newry and Mourne District Councils (working in partnership)
The Elected Member Development Charter initiative in Northern Ireland is being led by NILGA with support from our sister organisation South East Employers (http://www.seemp.co.uk/index.htm).