We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Share Members’ Reference Group on FacebookShare Members’ Reference Group on TwitterShare Members’ Reference Group on LinkedinEmail Members’ Reference Group link
Our Members’ Reference Group plays a key role in strengthening how we use evidence across the Council. The group was created to better understand what support Members need to confidently use evidence in their roles and to ensure that any training or resources are shaped by Members themselves.
Co‑Producing the Right Support
To make sure we truly understood Members’ evidence needs, we held a series of co‑produced workshops. These sessions helped us:
Explore Members’ experiences and confidence levels around evidence
Understand what training or tools would make the greatest difference
Identify common needs, trends, and any gaps in existing support
This insight allowed us to build a clear picture of how to better support Members in using evidence as part of everyday decision-making.
Training Developed By Members, For Members
Using the findings from the workshops, Members co-designed three evidence training modules - ensuring the content was relevant, practical, and directly aligned with the realities of the role. These modules were developed by Members, for Members, reflecting what they told us would help the most.
The group also highlighted the importance of offering training in a variety of formats. In response, we have designed flexible delivery methods so Members can access learning in a way that suits their needs and schedules.
Training Delivery
All three co-produced modules have now been delivered to Members. This marks a significant step forward in building confidence, strengthening understanding of evidence, and supporting informed decision‑making across the Council.
What Members Say
You can download our NIHR case study "Working effectively with local authority councillors from the document section on this page.
Our Members’ Reference Group plays a key role in strengthening how we use evidence across the Council. The group was created to better understand what support Members need to confidently use evidence in their roles and to ensure that any training or resources are shaped by Members themselves.
Co‑Producing the Right Support
To make sure we truly understood Members’ evidence needs, we held a series of co‑produced workshops. These sessions helped us:
Explore Members’ experiences and confidence levels around evidence
Understand what training or tools would make the greatest difference
Identify common needs, trends, and any gaps in existing support
This insight allowed us to build a clear picture of how to better support Members in using evidence as part of everyday decision-making.
Training Developed By Members, For Members
Using the findings from the workshops, Members co-designed three evidence training modules - ensuring the content was relevant, practical, and directly aligned with the realities of the role. These modules were developed by Members, for Members, reflecting what they told us would help the most.
The group also highlighted the importance of offering training in a variety of formats. In response, we have designed flexible delivery methods so Members can access learning in a way that suits their needs and schedules.
Training Delivery
All three co-produced modules have now been delivered to Members. This marks a significant step forward in building confidence, strengthening understanding of evidence, and supporting informed decision‑making across the Council.
What Members Say
You can download our NIHR case study "Working effectively with local authority councillors from the document section on this page.
