Welcome to my website

This website captures in one place all the information about the range of support services and projects I can offer to local authorities and others.

My principal areas of expertise are:

• councillor and officer training & development;
• councillors' allowances.
• scrutiny review processes.
• Democratic Services practice.

The links above give details of my experience and services. See also latest news below.

One of the guiding principles of my work is to provide services (whether projects or training) that are affordable in today's economic climate.

I hope you find something of interest on this site. Please contact me to discuss any particular needs.

Latest news

Councillor Induction - May, 2012

I am offering my expertise and skills to support Councils in the induction of newly elected councillors in May 2012. Please go to "Training and Development" for details of what I am offering and the opportunity for Councils to provide induction for very low unit costs.

Annual Meeting of Independent Panel Chairs and Advisors

I intend to convene this meeting in June 2012, in conjunction with South West Councils. I will advise colleagues soon of the arrangements.

Please go to Councillors' Allowances page for further details.

Chairing Skills Workshops

I have recently run several short workshops for councillors on chairing skills. This is a low cost but effective method of skill development.

Please go to "Training and Development" for details

Opportunities to Develop your Overview and Scrutiny

I have just completed a commission with Plymouth City Council to review their overview and scrutiny processes and to prepare a written report.

Please go to "Training and Development" for details of this and other similar project work.

Joint Dorset Councils Allowances review completed.

The Christchurch, East Dorset and Purbeck Councils' allowances review has been completed. I was appointed to Chair this review Panel. For information on the review report and the Councils' responses, please go to Councillors' Allowances page

Contact me

 I can be contacted by

  email: grahamrussell31@blueyonder.co.uk

  post: 31 Anson Close, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3DY

  telephone: 07816 144 396