GAPTC Member Survey: Summary of Initial Findings
In 2024, GAPTC conducted a survey to gauge member satisfaction and engagement with key services. Out of 229 member councils, 66 responded, representing approximately 29% of the membership. The responses provide valuable insights into areas where GAPTC is performing well, as well as areas that require improvement.
Key Findings
1. Training Services:
Many councils engage with GAPTC’s training offerings, but some only participate occasionally, while two councils never engage. Feedback on training quality was generally positive, with most councils rating it as "Good" or "Excellent," although a few councils rated it as "Fair" or "Poor." Awareness of specialised training, such as the Code of Conduct sessions and CiLCA mentoring, is relatively high but could be improved further.
2. Networking Sessions:
Networking opportunities are appreciated by many councils, with most participants rating the quality of sessions as "Good." However, 12 councils do not engage with networking at all, suggesting a need to better tailor or promote these opportunities to increase participation.
3. Communications (Newsletters and Social Media):
GAPTC’s communication channels are generally well-received, with the majority of councils engaging regularly. However, five councils do not engage with newsletters or social media, highlighting an opportunity to explore alternative communication methods to reach these members.
4. HR and Legal Services:
While most councils are aware of GAPTC’s HR service, nearly 40% are not, indicating the need for more promotion of this support. Engagement with the legal advice service is mixed, with some councils never using it. Email is the most popular method of accessing legal advice, but awareness of other methods, like the website advice ticket system, could be improved.
5. Website Resources:
GAPTC’s website resources are regularly used by most councils, but three councils never engage with these tools. This suggests a need for outreach to ensure that all councils understand how to access and use the resources available to them.
6. Challenges Faced by Councils:
Planning and development issues, funding and financial management, and councillor engagement were identified as the top challenges for councils. These areas should be prioritised in future GAPTC training and resources to help councils navigate these difficulties.
7. Engagement with Other Organisations:
Collaboration with neighbouring councils is strong for many, but a significant number of councils report no engagement with their neighbours, district/borough councils, or the county council. Relationships with neighbourhood policing teams were generally positive, though 11 councils reported poor or non-existent relationships.
8. Future Focus Areas:
Councils expressed a clear desire for GAPTC to focus on planning support, councillor engagement, and climate action. These priorities align with the challenges identified and should inform GAPTC’s strategy over the next 12 months.
9. HUBs Initiative:
GAPTC’s proposed HUBs initiative, which clusters councils for regional collaboration, received positive feedback from most councils. The HUBs are seen as a way to improve local collaboration and resource-sharing, though more information on their structure and operation may help clarify their benefits to those who were unsure.
Conclusion
While GAPTC is performing well in areas such as training, communication, and website resources, there are clear opportunities for improvement in promoting awareness of services, enhancing the quality of networking and training, and supporting councils facing significant challenges like planning and funding. By focusing on these areas, GAPTC can better serve its diverse membership and ensure that councils are fully equipped to address their local issues.
Next Steps: GAPTC will work on enhancing communication, refining training and legal advice services, and improving collaboration through the new HUBs initiative. Additionally, outreach will be prioritised to councils that expressed dissatisfaction or disengagement to better understand their needs and provide targeted support.