BRECON Beacons National Park Authority has successfully achieved its re-assessment for the Advanced Charter for Member Support and Development from the Welsh Local Government Association.

The pledge to give its members the best training and support possible has been reaffirmed by Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and follows on from being awarded the Basic Charter in 2009 and the Advanced Charter in 2011 – which was re-validated at the end of last year. Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council are now the only two local authorities awarded with the Advanced Charter.

Sarah Titcombe from the WLGA presented the coveted charter to Melanie Doel, the deputy chairman of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and congratulated members of the authority for their strong commitment to member development that showed Brecon Beacons National Park Authority had a flexible and positive approach to learning and development. She went on to say: "The WLGA commends you on both the quality of the submission and the practice that it represents, you are clearly a beacon of good practice in Wales. I would like to thank all the officers who have contributed to the member induction and continuing development programme over the last few years. It is clear that members value the expertise of our officers and enjoy their development sessions. Many thanks also to all the members who support the programme and continually seek to extend their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the National Park and its communities. "

The charter scheme was developed by the Welsh Local Government Association with the aim of encouraging all local authorities, including national park authorities and fire and rescue authorities, to provide their members with high quality induction and continuing development programme throughout their terms of office.

Twenty-four National Park Authority members undergo a detailed induction programme as part of a four to five year framework of development, which includes not only specific induction for decision making through committees, but also site visits, meeting community representatives and spending time with our staff 'on the ground' to develop their understanding of the work carried out across the park.

Mrs Melanie Doel, deputy chairman for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said: "This fantastic achievement is the result of great team work between members and officers – particularly Julia Gruffydd our democratic services officer who has produced a development programme based on members needs that gives them the skills and confidence to make decisions for the park and its communities. We'd also like to say particular thanks to Sarah Titcombe from the WLGA who has worked tirelessly throughout Wales for more than 10 years, supporting members and officers and promoting the highest standards of governance and member development."