My last submission saw me detailing the events I attended as part of the Scheme (up to December 2009) and forwarding planning for my meetings with my Mentors.

23rd January 2010 - Attend a Local Surgery

My mentor invited me to The Recreation Centre, Gleneagles Avenue, Leicester where the drop-ins where more than happy to have me shadow their Councillor. 3 residents came to the Surgery that day with planning requests which were carefully listened to. They were advised that these would be dealt with following consultations with the relevant Council Officers’ and the outcomes given in writing.

Throughout the sessions, the residents were reminded to contact any of the Councillors’ that hold sessions at the Centre if they had any issues as the Councillors constantly worked together to resolve issues. I found this very helpful and encouraging as you were made to feel valued.

26th January 2010 - Attend Planning & Development Control Committee Meeting

Provision was made for me to sit as close as possible to the Councillors in the Gallery so that I was able to closely observe what was going on. The meeting was at The Council Chamber - First Floor, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Leicester and started at 5.30 pm. My mentor happened to be Chair of the Committee so I was to see him in full action. It was interesting to see how planning decisions were made. I carefully listened to The Head of Litigation as he meted out advice and The Head of Planning, Management and Delivery as he answered the questions posed to him. Although the meeting was not a peaceful affair, (an applicant disrupted the proceedings as they were unhappy with the outcome of their application) I left feeling justified because the supporting evidence in each application made it easy (in my mind) to arrive at fair decisions. Following the meeting a few Councillors asked if I had made up my mind about becoming a Councillor and remarked how rewarding they found the job.

28th January 2010 - Attend Council Meeting

This was held at The Council Chamber - First Floor, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Leicester at 5.00 pm. Again provision was made for me to be seated as close as possible to the proceedings and I was even invited to the Tea Room before the meeting to mingle with the Councillors. It was a relaxed atmosphere and I managed to speak to a few Councillors, the former Lord Mayor and the Reverend who opened the meeting with prayers. Exciting!

The meeting opened with the arrival of the Lord Mayor and his mace amidst a lot of pomp and I felt out of place at such solemnity. However as the meeting progressed I felt at ease as there was some good natured ribbing amongst the Councillors and a few jokes which most if not everyone chuckled to.

What was really interesting was that I was able to see how some of the work I have done in my job (mainly the preparation of answers to Councillor questions for use at Council meetings) was being used. Needless to say the meeting had awkward even tense moments but these quickly subsided on the intervention of the Lord Mayor who chaired the meeting. I did enjoy the meeting as I was able to appreciate the processes involved in decision making for the City.

BAME Scheme - Training Day, London

This was held on 30 January 2010 and what a packed day it was. The media was the focus of the meeting and a number of speakers from a media background were present. These included people in journalism, broadcasting, PR and of course Councillors.

Again, this proved to be a major networking event. Some participants in the Scheme would be standing in the next General Elections - impressive - especially as the Scheme is not over yet.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and have been able to understand what I learnt as I observe public figures use some of the techniques I was taught.

Telephone meeting with Virtual Mentor

I had 3 meetings within the last 2 weeks. The first was to introduce myself, the second to agree an agenda and the third to discuss the agenda items and forward plan if necessary.

My mentor was very amenable and frank in her discussion about being a Councillor. Although some of what she told me was stuff I had already learnt on the Scheme, I had a deeper appreciation of the level of commitment involved as she related her walk to becoming a Councillor and her life now as a Councillor. She hammered home the importance of the Seven Principles of Public Life and getting involved/noticed in my community/Party so that when I was ready to stand my reputation would speak for itself. I have taken her advice and for starters would be applying to be a school governor at a secondary school. Secondly, I would be registering with my political party. Thirdly, I will see where else my community involvement takes me.

Conclusion

Thank you OBV for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such an exciting and rewarding programme.