Where is my council?

Locate your council on a sliding scale

Download a copy of the leaflet from this session here: Where is my council.

Max Wide introduced the nine different areas attendees would be asked to score their Council. He explained each section’s scoring system which was 1 – 4. The different areas were:

1. We connect with people using all available channels of communication
2. We demonstrate our values in the way we conduct our meetings
3. We learn from others
4. We are financially sustainable and willing to take managed risks
5. We build sustainable internal relationships that enable us to work well together
6. We identify, involve and develop community capacity
7. We have a productive relationship with other public sector bodies
8. We promote responsible business and sustainable prosperity
9. We help to develop the voluntary sector and charities

When attendees had a score for each section they were asked to translate this to a ‘triangle of progress’. The triangle was a visual representation of how each organisation saw where their council was in relation to others.

Max asked those that had scored themselves a four in some areas to share what their council was doing. With regards to having a productive relationship with other public sector bodies Nailsea shared that they had recently opened a new building which allowed multiple uses for a variety of groups in the town. For example, there were classes to help people use tablets, hot desking spaces, health groups, a youth club and an exhibition space. Their ultimate ambition was to create a health and wellbeing centre.

With regard to promoting responsible business and sustainable prosperity Penzance shared what they had been doing. A regeneration partnership had been set up involving a diverse number of organisations and had also expanded outside of just the town. They explained it had been effective in allowing all communities to speak with one voice and gave them more influence with Cornwall Council.

Buckfastleigh shared how they helped to develop the voluntary sector and charities. They had increased the money available to organisations to the power of ten, they offered training opportunities and had employed a fundraiser to help groups leaver in funding from other sources. As a way of thanking volunteers and promoting the organisation they held a thank you event known as the ‘heart of Buckfastleigh’.

Finally, Nailsea shared how they were financially sustainable whilst taking managed risks. They explained they planned for a three year cycle where they looked ahead and planned for everything they wanted to achieve. This approach allowed them to take risks on investments. They also put money aside for projects that would need an agreement with the district council. They also undertook a comprehensive risk analysis.

Max thanked attendees for their participation.