Mr Jones has been away for much of this week, midst the dreaming spires of Cambridge.

But the Great Man tapped out a most extraordinary message to every County Councillor via his handheld fruit.

 

Dear Councillor,

Helping County Councillors to: 1) re-examine the vision for the future; 2) refine their Personal Development Plans

I am in Cambridge at the moment leading an I&DeA Peer Review of Cambridge County Council.
The last 12 months have been very successful for Somerset County Council.  There is one issue, which, on reflection, could have been improved.  That issue is my personal involvement with Council Members individually and collectively.  Having discussed this matter with the Leader of Council, I feel that there are two issues that would benefit from further discussion.  The first is to gather Members' opinions about the future direction for the County Council in relation to our vision for the future of the County.  The second issue is to see if I can assist Members with their personal development and training plans in relation to this and other aspects of the County Council's functions.
I would like to emphasise that my role in working with you individually and/or collectively will be to act as a facilitator and not to lead or be directive on these matters.  What I would like to do is to draw upon your experience as Members of County Council and use your knowledge and capacity to answer these questions.
You may remember that my Personal Assistant, Jane Clarke, send you an invitation on 16 October 2007 to join me in a one-to-one discussion either in my office or in your division.  That invitation did not prove to be very successful.
Since that time, I have had discussions with Julian Gale, Group Manager, Democratic Services and we have also employed a Member Development officer.  I will be taking these matters up with her as soon as possible.  I have also taken the opportunity of gathering ideas from other Chief Executives from other Councils around the country and I have also spoken to some Leaders of Council.
In due course, I will be asking Elizabeth Friend, Member Development Officer and Julian Gale, Group Manager to invite you to meet with me to discuss these matters either individually or collectively.  Before that time, however, I would be grateful to receive your ideas on how you think we should take these matters forward.
Lastly, can I also encourage you to discuss these matters within your political groups and with your Leader.I look forward to hearing from you.

Alan
Alan Jones
Chief Executive
Somerset CountyCouncil

 

Gordon Bennett! Now he wants to "assist members with their personal development"

 

If you want to share information with me about this or any other matter here's how: i[email protected]

 

 

(We are not responsible for the content of external web sites)