Training Officer, Brie Logan, represented DAPTC at a recent challenge at Ware Town Council, Hertfordshire.
The Corporate Peer Challenge is facilitated by the Local Government Association (LGA) to conduct a review of key finance, performance and governance information by peers comprising of experienced councillors and officers. Those peers then spend up to four days at the council to provide constructive observations, share best practice and support to enable a council to improve. The challenge is not an inspection or formal assessment instead, the process focusses on collaboration and learning with the peers acting as "critical friends". The aim is to highlight what works well and to identify areas and opportunities for improvement.
Brie noted the depth of discussion and openness from all involved and how councils can benefit from external perspectives without the pressure of formal scrutiny. The challenge reinforced her views of the importance of peer support in driving continuous improvement. Over the coming months, Brie will explore ways to share what she learnt in the process and consider how similar peer-led approaches could be developed for other councils seeking to strengthen their practices.
Find out more about Corporate Peer Challenges on the LGA website USING THIS LINK.
