COUNCILLORS in East Hampshire can expect top-class training as standard after the district council’s development programme earned charter status for quality.

In a statement, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), said: “All councillors are signed up to the officially recognised professional development programme which is invaluable in helping them to excel in their roles as elected members and community leaders.

“Elected councillors are not full-time professionals and have to balance the needs and interests of residents, the political party they represent (if any) and the council.

“It is never expected that all councillors immediately have all the tools, training, experience and competencies that might be required, so the emphasis is on ensuring that all councillors are appropriately trained and supported so that they can be effective in their roles.”

Designed by councillors for councillors, the comprehensive programme provides an opportunity for councillors to achieve recognition of the development of their skills, knowledge and experience they have gained.

Key initiatives implemented include raising the profile of councillor training, the introduction of an annual training needs analysis, improved promotion of training offered, and regular monitoring of feedback and attendance.

To achieve charter accreditation, EHDC had to demonstrate three essential criteria:

* Show clear commitment to councillor development and support;

* Show it has a strategic approach to councillor development; and

* Show that learning and development is effective in building councillor capacity.

The importance of investing in the development of councillors is clearly recognised at a senior level, according to EHDC chief executive Sandy Hopkins.

“Our focus on bespoke development needs of our councillors will ensure they have the confidence to serve their communities in their role,” she said.

“Our investment in development will also give councillors the practical tools to adapt to the challenges of running public services in an ever-changing world.”

District council leader Richard Millard reiterated how valuable the charter accreditation is to reassure those wishing to stand as a councillor that they will be fully supported.

He said: “Achieving the Charter for Elected Member Development was the natural next step in our strategy of finding talented people to become councillors. Members are given every opportunity to use their skills to benefit the residents and businesses of East Hampshire.”

Rory Love, chairman of South East Employers, said: “Congratulations for this highly prestigious award. We were extremely impressed at the degree to which training was embedded in the culture of the authority. There is a high degree of innovation and the most efficient use of a member development budget. There was an 82 per cent response rate from members about what training they felt they needed.

“The Change your World Campaign in 2015 was really innovative and creative. It identified and led to the election of four new councillors. This is a really well deserved award.”