Suffolk
Suffolk County Council has been working with Local Government Leadership since August 2010. As well as workshops and presentations on the 21st Century Councillor model, we have also produced an in-depth report and audio slideshows about councillor experiences in Suffolk.
The shadowing and interviews asked councillors about:
- Why they think councillors are important and valued in Suffolk; what they enjoy most about the role; and where they experience tensions and challenges
- The current role of councillors; the relationships they have in their communities and what is working well; where communities are involved now; and what could be improved in the future
- The future roles and relationships anticipated as a result of the Council's 'New Strategic Direction' (NSD) and councillor development and support needs to meet this agenda
- Practical next steps and actions to move forward
It was important as part of the process, that councillors’ perspectives were listened to and their democratic role and knowledge of their communities recognised. By using Local Government Leadership, the process has ensured an external perspective and an opportunity for councillors to share their views frankly and in confidence. This approach is seen as just the start of involving councilors in shaping the future and placing them at the centre of the democratic process and will clearly be an ongoing process.
This work was conducted in partnership with Improvement East
