Hull
Hull has already a very strong commitment to member development, and is one of the finalists in the MJ Awards 2009 for this category. I believe that developing schemes such as mentoring supports local democracy by developing the skills of Councillors to act for their communities.
Councillor Abigail Bell, Deputy Leader of the Council
Kingston upon Hull City Council
- Hull will promote the idea of the 21st Century Councillor, as part of its programme to support members in their political roles, through peer mentoring. No one knows better than another Councillor the skills needed, and expectations political, public and organisational placed on Elected Members.
- Teaming up experienced Councillors with both newcomers, and those with new roles/responsibilities, helps them be more effective more quickly. Hull City Council elects by thirds, so there are usually new Councillors joining each year, as well as changes to the political structure.
- Hull's plans to develop political mentoring consist of:
- Recruiting a small number of members from each political party to act as mentors for their new members and those members taking on new roles/responsibilities.
- Working with the Local Government Leadership to commission external political training and advice from each party to support the new mentors.
- Reviewing and evaluating each year the success of political mentoring through one to one interviews with the external advisors and mentors from within each group.
To find out more information about Hull email hull@21stcenturycouncillor.com.