We’re proud to share that Colchester City Council has once again been awarded the Councillor Development Charter, confirming our commitment to supporting councillors in the vital role they play for our community.
Why does this matter to you? Well-trained councillors make better decisions, champion local priorities, and ensure your voice is heard. From understanding complex issues to leading on community projects, development helps councillors serve you more effectively.
The assessment praised our structured approach, strong leadership support, and innovative steps like online training and a new parental leave policy to make local democracy more inclusive. It also highlighted how councillors are eager to keep learning – covering topics from mental health awareness to digital skills – so they can respond to the challenges facing Colchester. This recognition reflects the hard work of councillors from across the political spectrum and officers who are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that the council remains responsive and forward-thinking in a time of change.
Cllr Chris Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Transformation and Digital, said: “This achievement shows our commitment to giving councillors the tools and knowledge they need to represent residents effectively. When councillors are well-supported, the whole community benefits. We’ll keep building on this success to make local democracy even stronger and more inclusive.”
He added: “Inclusion is at the heart of this work. We’re making sure councillor development reflects the diversity of our city, from flexible online training to policies that support those with caring responsibilities. By promoting equality and accessibility, we’re creating a council that truly represents everyone in Colchester.”
We’re not stopping here. Over the next 18 months, we’ll continue to strengthen councillor development and promote local democracy, making it easier for more people to get involved. As part of this, we’ll expand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion outreach – including more EDI-focused training, better signposting for potential candidates, and practical support to widen participation in local democracy – so that more residents can see themselves represented and supported.
Want to learn more about becoming a councillor or how local decisions are made? Visit Colchester City Council.