News Archive - Working hard to serve you better!

Local Councillors are working together to improve their knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations they need to work to in order to ensure good quality services are provided in Thurrock.

Local Government requires members and officers to work in certain ways, including a code of conduct which every Councillor must follow. Elected members are currently undergoing thorough training sessions to help them understand their responsibilities under this code and also different ways they can work to serve you, the public, better.

These training sessions, aim to help members navigate the maze of legislation which dictates how Council's operate and how some services, such as licensing and planning, are provided. Through the training sessions, members can develop their skills and become more effective as they represent the residents of Thurrock.

Councillor Gareth Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Central Services, has attended all the subject areas. He said: "It is very important that every Councillor understands the role and responsibilities of being an elected Member. As Councillors, we are all committed to providing the best services possible for Thurrock. Members already work very hard to do this but there is always more to learn and it is very important that every Councillor fully understands the issues facing this Council.

"Naturally Members know a lot about the Council and how it works, but changes in the rules happen all the time and we need to keep on top of this. The training helps us to do this and in turn helps us to be better Councillors, and provide better service to the public."

The training, provided by leading local government trainers Rockpools, the Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA) and Thurrock Council's Corporate Diversity team, offers information on Governance, Regulatory and Appeals Committee, Member/Officer protocol and Code of Conduct, Overview and Scrutiny and Equality Governance. The programme is funded in partnership with Building Capacity East, part of the East of England Regional Assembly.

ENDS