Fire authority awarded special charter honour

SOUTH Yorkshire Fire Authority has become the first in the region to be recognised for its commitment to developing and supporting elected members.

The body has been awarded the Elected Member Development Charter in recognition of its commitment to providing a programme of learning and development opportunities for councillors.

The Charter Award lasts for three years and then the Fire Authority, which oversees the way South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is run, performs and funded, will be re-assessed.

Coun Alice Cave, South Yorkshire Fire Authority’s lead member for knowledge and support, said: “I am delighted the authority’s commitment to learning and development has been recognised at this level.”

“This charter is testament to my fellow members for giving their time to attend courses, training and events to improve their knowledge of services including financial planning and equality and diversity.”

“It really has made a difference to the scrutiny and decision-making process.”