The recent Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) on the LGA (see first 682) highlighted the value of its sector support offer.
The challenge recommended the LGA lead on “the design of a reshaped sector support and assurance framework for local government, reflecting the different needs seen across the sector”.
In my time on the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, I’ve seen close-up the focus and effort on sector-led improvement. I think it’s right that the CPC goes on to say that the proposed framework should “build and add to the strengths that already exist, with separate offers for ‘assurance’ and ‘improvement’”.
I welcome the focus on assurance as we all, whether in administration or opposition, have an important governance role in overseeing and challenging our respective councils’ performance, and getting the right levels of assurance is a necessity.
“We all have an important governance role in overseeing and challenging our councils”
Independents make great member peers, bringing real impartiality to any sector-led support offer. It’s more about your skills than status, so whether innovation and improvement ‘floats your boat’, or whether you’re someone who’s more at home with the essential assurance elements of good governance, you can have a part to play.
Working alongside our new national peer, Cllr Adam Paynter, myself and the LGA Independent Group’s office will be focusing heavily on our Independent peer offer over the next few months, so please get in touch and see what you can bring by emailing [email protected]
Good luck to everyone standing in May and don’t forget, soon afterwards will be our own LGA Independent Group elections, with more details to come.