Members' Services Team
In the busy world of local government, Members’ Services PAs hold a unique role. These dedicated professionals are council employees, yet they work for individuals who are not council officers. They support Councillors in their dual roles, ensuring the smooth operation of both their ward duties and their responsibilities within East Lothian Council.
Following the retirement of long-standing PA Wilma Grant, there has been some changes within the Members Services team. Penny Short, Lesley Irvine and Carol Grandison support the administration group with Fiona Elliot supporting the opposition members. The service will soon be advertising for an additional team member.
The heart of the community
As the first point of contact for constituents, PAs handle a myriad of tasks. They take calls, address issues, and arrange regular surgeries where residents can meet their councillors face-to-face. They liaise with various council officers on behalf of the councillors, ensuring that constituent matters are addressed promptly and efficiently. Additionally, they manage the councillors' diaries, scheduling ward meetings such as Area Partnerships, Community Councils, and Parent Councils. They also coordinate meetings with local groups and constituents, ensuring that every voice is heard.
“I enjoy the variety of the job. No two days are the same. Enquiries I receive can vary from housing, social work, recycling, roads and property maintenance. Due to the variety of the enquiries, I am in contact with a lot of different departments.” - Fiona Elliot
Supporting councillors
Beyond their community-facing duties, PAs play a crucial role in supporting councillors as members of East Lothian Council. They assist the chairs of council committees, planning and scheduling meetings for the entire year. They compile information, prepare meeting papers, and handle diary enquiries. Their role extends to arranging meetings with a wide array of stakeholders, including local and national government, NHS and police.
Specialised support is also provided to key figures such as the Leader, Depute Leader, Provost, and Depute Provost. This requires a high level of organisation and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, often under tight deadlines.
The art of multitasking
Working for several councillors simultaneously, PAs must be adept at multitasking. They navigate challenging situations with diplomacy and handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. Their ability to respond swiftly to urgent requests is a testament to their dedication and expertise.
A rewarding journey
Despite the demanding nature of their work, Members’ Services PAs find their roles incredibly rewarding. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the community. Their efforts ensure that councillors can effectively serve their constituents and fulfil their duties within the council.
"Every day is different working with councillors. It's a busy job, but it's also interesting and always very rewarding to be able to help people." – Penny Short
The Administration Group is supported as follows:
Penny Short
Carol Grandison
Lesley Irvine
Fiona Elliot supports the opposition members:
Cheers to you! Celebrating staff compliments
Individuals, teams and departments across the council regularly receive compliments from residents, visitors and businesses. Here's a selection:
Local resident: Amenity Services. I have, over the last months, had help and assistance from one of your employees, Jack Albano, for damage done in Inveresk Churchyard. I would just like to bring to your attention how helpful, understanding and dedicated, Jack has been throughout this whole upsetting matter. It's so nice to realise that there are still some caring members of staff, at the council, that take the time to complete a job to the very best of their ability. Many Thanks.
Local resident: Landscape and Countryside. On Monday 18 November Stephen was finishing his round, clearing leaves from pavements and gutters here in Pencaitland. I flagged down his lorry and asked if he could clear the drain here, which gets very clogged with leaves . Though he was on his way to lunch Stephen did the job effectively and cheerfully. Thank you so much. I felt a word of praise was due there. Thank you from Pencaitland!
Local resident: Roads. Might I say what a wonderful job you did on North Berwick High Street, what a joy it is and how proud should all the residents be!
Local resident: Customer services. Thanks to the Community Alarm Service and Emergency Care Services for their recent assistance following a fall at home.
Local resident: Community Partnership. Compliments to all aspects of Prestonpans Community Centre with their TaeKwon-Do class that they have ran there for 28 years.
Local resident: Libraries. A Brew and A Blether at Ormiston Library on Wednesdays is fantastic.
Local resident: Waste Services. Thanking staff member at North Berwick recycling for helping with dismantling of bed frame, went above and beyond.
Has your team received a compliment that you'd like to share? Send it to us inform@eastlothian.gov.uk for a future edition of Inform.
Raising funds to support children's cancer charity
Children’s Services is running a raffle this Christmas where you can win an amazing hamper. Tickets are £5 a strip and will be on sale throughout December. All funds raised will go to LoveOliver, a small Scottish-based charitythat helps to fund research into childhood cancer and to provide practical support to families affected by it. The lucky winners will be drawn on 17 December.
If you would like to buy raffle tickets, please contact Lisa Shine or Dorothy Mannix.
There is also a fundraising page available online.