Councillors and Officers from North East Local Authorities were invited to take part in a programme of events inspired by the changing role of local politicians in an increasingly "connected" world (see the eDemocracy Event Brochure).

The events were part of a programme of work funded by Improvement Partnership for North East Local Government and ICELE (The International Centre of Excellence for Local eDemocracy) to enhance the role of councillors using technology.

The work consisted of two main streams:

• A series of events aimed at promoting an understanding of the benefits that eDemocracy can bring to community leaders and
• A project to improve the information flow between officers, councillors and citizens so that these three vital stakeholders can become better connected leading to improved engagement and understanding

Read more about the events by clicking on the links below:

The Changing Role of the Frontline Councillor, St James Park, 16 November 2007

Included Communities, Stadium of Light, 18 January 2008

A Local Vision for the Frontline Councillor, Durham County Cricket Club, 14 March 2008

A final workshop was held at a number of locations in the North East toards the end of June. Read more about this and view some of the key findings of the programme of work by clicking on the link below.

The Findings Workshop presented some of the Highlights of the event programme and focussed on:

• The Barriers and Drivers faced by the Ward or "Frontline" explored in the Councillor requirements document produced by RSeConsulting
• ICT provision to Councillors through the eyes of ICT deptrments as described in the ICT provision for Councillors document produced by North East Connects
• A novel tool that enables Councillors to explore technology available to support key Scenarios that they are familiar with in their role as Ward Councillors

Click on the relevant logo to read more about the programme sponsors: