Council clerk president vows to tackle bullying
The new president of the Society of Local Council Clerks has pledge to focus on bullying within local councils.
David Preston says that he knows of many town clerks, both long serving and new, that have experienced problems and says it is time to change the system.
Mr Preston has been involved in local councils for more than 40 years, firstly for Llanyblodwel Parish Council then clerk to Oswestry Town Council.
He was installed as president of his professional society, which has a membership of 5,000, at a conference in Birmingham, winning a standing ovation for his acceptance speech in which he said his theme for the year would be managing and surviving change.
"There has to be a focus on bullying and the total inadequacy of any sanction against breaches of the Code of Conduct," he said.
"As president I want to throw my weight behind a campaign to change a system that has seen well respected and long serving clerks and new entrants to the sector, experience some horrible and repeating behaviour.
"It has gone on too long and just has to change.
"There has to be a standards regime that has teeth, that is truly independent and can lead, in the most serious situations, to court action.
"The grass roots democracy of England and Wales will never encourage the best clerks and councillors to stand and remain in office, if the bad apples remain in the orchard."
Mr Preston said there was already some good work going on behind the scenes.
"We now have a modernised, professional, forward thinking society with an inclusive and structured management."
He said that he had to thank members of Oswestry Town Council, past and present, for the support they have given him to take on opportunities and positions outside of his office.
"They have always seen the benefits of letting me attend events and promote Oswestry far and wide and have fully supported me becoming President."
He also thanked the staff of the council.
Next year Mr Preston has offered to visit branches of the society.
"Hopefully I can try and share and give back some of my experiences over the last 40 years that may help others thrive and prosper in a job that I love doing and one with which, with the support and encouragement from elected members, you rally can make a difference in your community."
