Winning an election or indeed going through an interview to secure a job in local government could have been a challenging task. What is even more challenging are the intricate roles of your position as policy maker or implementer. Understanding your different but complementary roles will help you deal with complex matters and maintain a harmonious relationship. Further, as representatives of the people you must always remember that you are not their masters but their servants, therefore, you must serve them impartially and to your utmost ability.
Local government is at the forefront of the governance process in this country and it is widely acknowledged that local authorities and their leadership (councillors and officers) are better placed to respond to local challenges and to deliver quality services to local communities. The responsibility to uphold this recognition will largely depend on your ability to make policies that will add value to the lives of the people in your respective local authority areas.
In addition, you will need to understand the legal framework for local government – the foundation – on which the system is anchored. This is important because the functions and powers for local government derive from statute and that being the case, decisions and activities of a local authority have to be in compliance with the law.
Accessing knowledge on the roles of a councillor or an appointed official is the reason for the production of this manual. The manual covers topics that are important to know which aim at guiding a councillor or an appointed official work with confidence to achieve a local authority’s goals and objectives and ultimately provide high-quality services to local communities. The manual goes further to explore some of the main issues facing local authorities and how these could be handled.
You may be a returning councillor, a new councillor or an appointed official (currently in employment or not). You are all strongly encouraged to take keen interest and make best use of this manual.