This presentation and workshop discussed the role, influences and challenges for newly elected councillors in 2010. It was given as part of LB Brent's Induction day, May 16th 2010
3. ALL NEW AND IMPROVED FORMULA FOR 2010 Lose touch with friends and influence too many people! exhaustion guaranteed The views expressed on this soap box will not necessarily always be those of the individual or organisation concerned. Views may change at any time according to hindsight and the fiscal outlook. BECOME A POLITICIAN!
8. “ the rights and interests of every, or any, person are only secure from being disregarded when the person interested is himself able, and habitually disposed, to stand up for them”
10. The bad news for politicians... people people know you don't have all the answers people want to do things for themselves people have access to online resources and tools people are more educated
11. The good news for politicians... people people know you don't have all the answers people want to do things for themselves people have access to online resources and tools people are more educated
12. Public spending in local government has increased by over 40% in last 10 years
15. third sector participation Funding for sector totalled £9.2 billion in 2003/4 Over 22 million people are participating in a voluntary group (Home Office figures 2001) “ mutualism” “ big society” “ community politics”
16. Run the council SCRUTINISE THE COUNCIL Champion your residents Raise local grants Empower people Talk to people Introduce exciting policies Recruit volunteers Challenge doubters Manage crises Listen to people Lead on the design of your local future Community leadership Contest the political space Inspire officers role of elected members ?
17. Sit in long meetings Wonder why you're there Feel stressed Get bogged down in detail Read too much, too often or too little Manage failure Defend the status quo Assume there are only three options Focus on internal structures Get detached from your 'politics' Lose touch with residents Lose perspective Fight with people Be criticised Memorise the corporate plan
18. 3 must haves 3 must nots role of elected members ?
20. You are the representative of the people to the town hall... ...not the town hall's representative to the people. tribune of the people
21. politics, not posturing A political decision is where - you have two great options you can't do both and whatever happens you are going to annoy someone.
22. Ward walks with officers Not just consultation – collaboration and co-creation. keep in touch, keep in touch, keep in touch community roots
23. questioning, not acquiescence How is this going to affect my residents? How are we going to measure outcomes and impact? Is there another way?