PRESENTATION OF TOP PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AT WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

Wellington Town Council is on the way to gaining quality status with the presentation of a top award to one of its officers.
Julia Thorne, assistant to the town clerk, has achieved the Certificate in Local Council Administration, the customised qualification for parish and town council clerks.
Julia, 32, who lives in Twyford Place, Wellington, is the only holder of the qualification in the area.
The Certificate in Local Council Administration has been designed as the test for ‘qualified clerk’ criteria in the Government’s Quality Parish Status initiative and specifically tests candidates against a list of core competencies on the work of a parish clerk.
Presenting the award Somerset Association of Local Councils County Secretary Peter Lacey said: “I am delighted to present Julia with her certificate which demonstrates her proficiency in the administration of a local council.
“There are some 20 holders of the certificate in Somerset which is a component required by the council in a bid for quality status.
“The Association is supportive of staff at our parish and town councils in getting this Certificate and training events are held regularly.”
Council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton said: “I am absolutely delighted in Julia’s success of obtaining the certificate in local council administration.
“We appreciate all the hard work she has done which will benefit both the council and herself.”
The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the Government's Rural White Paper, 2000. The scheme is designed to provide benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils, and enable them to better represent the communities they serve.

Pic cap – Somerset Association of Local Councils County Secretary Peter Lacey (right) presents assistant to the town clerk Julia Thorne with her certificate also pictured is Wellington town council chairman Councillor Dave Mitton (left).