Local authority communications staff are being offered more help in persuading local people about the improvements that councils have made to services. The Audit Commission has teamed up with the IDeA to develop a new training module for press officers and others. The Connecting with Communities module is being launched to share advice and good practice on spreading information about the new Comprehensive Performance Assessment of local councilsThe Commission says it has taken a fresh look at CPA. It is moving towards a star-based rating system for councils and has branded its revised approach as ‘The Hard Test’. The Commission believes this more stringent test will present council communicators with a tougher challenge to persuade local people of improvements councils have made.

Read more on COUNCIL COMMUNICATORS OFFERED HELP TO SPREAD NEWS OF SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS…

Head teachers say there is a rising tide of anger among school leaders over plans to set up parent councils and they are warning that the measure, set out in the White Paper, “Higher Standards, Better Schools for All – More Choice for Parents and Pupils”, could play a part in lowering educational standards.The Council of the National Association of Head Teachers says it is convinced that the vast majority of parents are far more interested in supporting their child at school than being encouraged to form what it has dubbed ‘lynch mobs’.

Read more on HEADS WARN OF TIDE OF ANGER OVER PARENT COUNCIL PLANS…