Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC) in Sheffield has made changes to the way community representatives are elected on to its board.
A review was commissioned by BNDfC as the previous arrangements had meant that the valuable experience gained by community representatives could be lost to the board as all ten places went up for election at the same time.
A number of recommendations to ensure continuity and stability on the BNDfC board were outlined in the review and, after consultation with local residents, the following changes are being made:
The 2005 elections, taking place in July, will see five community representative board members extend their service by two years so they are up for re-election in 2007.
The other five members will be up for re-election this year – this will mean there are five places up for election in 2005. Those elected will then be in service for four years so will be up for re-election in 2009.
The election process will continue to take place every two years but retain 50% of the community representative members for continuity. Members will all serve for four years.
Rose Ardron, Chair of the BNDfC Partnership board, said: "Since the last board elections, NDC has become a Registered Company and Board members now have legal and financial responsibilities as Company Directors. Also, the NDC programme has expanded and picked up – theme strategy groups have been established and community representatives have taken on responsibilities as theme champions.
“We feel by making these changes we are building on existing skills and experience of our board members but are still offering opportunities for other people to be involved,” she added.
Other important changes include that all board members will now undertake a three-month induction, there will be more emphasis put on training and development and the elections will be held in the Summer so there is a better chance of decent weather to hold election road shows within the area.
Two additional places, elected by the proposed youth council once up and running, will also be created on the board for young people aged between 16-25 years.