A study for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation by the Young Foundation and LGiU.

Written in 2007, this report explores how the role of non-executive ward councillors is changing in a landscape of devolved power. It captures the views of councillors, council officers, and community organisers about the skills and support ward councillors need to adapt to a new role and the short and long-term obstacles to change. 

This report made a practical contribution to the debate about the future role of ward councillors and underpinned the development of a new policy framework that enabled elected members to support neighbourhoods and contribute effectively to community leadership, in particular in deprived and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The report explores:

• Aspirations for the ‘ideal’ ward councillor role, including councillors involvement in community leadership and strategic decision making
• Short-term issues that present challenges for the development of new councillor roles, including the skills and support councillors will need to make the transition to new ways of working
• The way local authorities, political parties and communities currently work with elected members, and the obstacles to improving these working relationships, many of which are dependent on changes to the culture of local authorities and local political groups.

The report draws on interviews and focus groups carried out in Newcastle, the London Borough of Newham, Salford and Suffolk.

Download a full pdf version of the summary findings.

To download a copy of the full report please visit the Joseph Rowntree Foundation website.

For more information about this project please contact Saffron Woodcraft, saffron.woodcraft@youngfoundation.org