Essential Councillor

This course is a “whistle stop tour” of the essential information and knowledge required by anyone wanting to be a good Local Councillor. It is suitable for both new and more experienced Local Councillors who need an update on the never-ending changes to the law and regulations effecting Local Councils. It also gives and insight into how Local Councillors can be effective in influencing emerging new laws and changing the policies and procedures that currently govern Local Councils.

Undertaking this course is also an important indicator in the assessment of a Quality Council, in the Local Council Awards Scheme.

Overview

This course will give participants the knowledge to be more effective in their role as a Local Councillor and by the end of the session participants will:

have a good understanding of their role as a Local Councillor and the wider context in which Local Councils operate

know the rules of what they must, or must not do, as a Council, Local Councillor, employer and financial manager

understand the legislative and regulatory framework for councils (which is different from that of a district council) to enable them to stick to the rules

understand more about the structure of meetings and the protocols observed by Local Councils

know more about the role of the Local Councillor as a representative and the two-way communication process between Local Councils and residents

help them with being an effective Local Councillor in terms of community engagement/action.

Course benefits:

This course aims to give Local Councillors improved confidence in engaging in local democracy and how they are expected to behave their public role.

The topics covered include:

meeting structure and protocol

Local Council powers and duties

the General Power of Competence

allocating resources, including under Section 137

the code of conduct

declarations of interest

By the end of this session participants will:

understand more about the structure of meetings and the protocols observed by councils

understand the role of councillor as ‘guardian of the public purse’

know the importance of, and difference between, local council powers and duties

understand the implications of the council’s role as an employer

be confident in identifying when the council is best placed to make a decision, and when further research or support from another organisation is needed

know more about the role of the councillor as a representative and the two-way communication process between councils and residents

Just the essentials that councillors need to know when embarking on a term of office on the local authority. Although just the tip of the iceberg, the things all councillors need to know will be touched on and questions answered.