Collegiality at Council Level. Experience in recent years has demonstrated the value and importance of open communication between and amongst LNCT members in making and implementing decisions on devolved conditions of service matters. Key to this process is a need for mutual respect and trust between partners in order to create a climate of genuine collegiality. This will involve all partners in a reflective, co-operative approach to collegiality. Where the LNCT has devolved powers, all parties work together to reach agreement by a participative decision making process. In a collegiate council the LNCT should also be seen as a forum for discussion on wider issues impacting on the Education Service. The views of all participants are encouraged, valued and respected. All partners are encouraged to participate and all views are fully considered. Participants/partners can contribute to discussions and decisions on all areas of council and school life (for example through participation in education working groups). The Director of Education (or Lead Officer for Education) has a key role to play in setting the tone for the development of the culture of collegiality throughout the Education Service. Once agreements are reached at LNCT level, all partners demonstrate joint ownership and responsibility for these agreements and communicate such. The LNCT monitors agreements regularly and effectively and issues advice when required. Meaningful dialogue takes place between LNCT Joint Secretaries within agreed timescales. In accordance with the locally agreed constitution, members of the LNCT are well informed, thereby fostering open and honest discussion and affording all members equally the opportunity to share information responsibly and respectfully. All agreements are signed and issued on a joint basis. All LNCT members have agreed time to prepare which is subject to regular review. Agendas are agreed in advance of the meeting by LNCT Joint Secretaries and are issued in good time. Joint Secretaries ensure that matters arising and action points are delegated and concluded appropriately within reasonable timescales. The LNCT recognises the value of collegiality and provides a model of such partnership working by operating in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in the conduct of its discussions and negotiations. Issues of educational significance, including the implications of local and national policy initiatives are discussed regularly and perspectives on such matters are shared between an...
