THURROCK councillors will be told tonight (Tuesday, 10 March) of an improved performance in the authority's bid to meet its targets.

Karen Wheeler, Director of Strategy, Communications & Customer Services, will tell the council's Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee that 84 per cent of targets were hit in the third quarter, an improvement from the 74 per cent in the second.

And she will highlight several successes, including the drive to increase the number of apprentices within the council.

Members will hear that the good performance this year has been driven by the success of a second annual apprentice recruitment day held in July and an increase in awareness from managers across the council of the value of apprentices.

Additionally, linking in with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, the council has been able to utilise opportunities to upskill existing staff with apprenticeships, which has been a financial benefit.

All directorates now have apprentices, with Children's Services having 24 in total.

You can read the full report HERE