We are pleased to introduce a new page on our website dedicated to councillor development - here is a link. It is designed to help councillors plan how to learn about their role and responsibilities over a period of time.
Since switching to online 'module' based training during the pandemic we have seen a significant increase in demand for councillor training. We are aware, however, that six modules is a big commitment, a lot to take in and put into practise especially when new to the role. Our new councillor development page instead offers a staged approach and, we believe, makes the best use of resources that are available for the sector such as national guidance, publications, networking, news bulletins and training.
Recommended training is included in the pathway, and we encourage all new councillors attend, including existing councillors as a refresher, our new Councillor Basics workshop consisting of two x2 hour sessions, for example within the first six months of taking office. The Councillor Basics workshop provides an understanding of what makes a good council, and the role a councillor plays.
In addition, whilst Code of Conduct is broadly covered in the basics workshop we also recommend attending a new Code of Conduct workshop that we hope to have available from the autumn and finance for councillors which is already a popular event.
We will be introducing more opportunities for councillors to access technical information only (not enquiries) including The Model Council through the SALC member portal and more detail on that will follow.
Further dates for the councillor basics workshop for the remainder of 2023 have been published - Councillors must attend session one and session two to complete the course, fee £30 +VAT per session, starting 7 pm - 9 pm:
Session one
Monday 3 July, Monday 31 July, Wednesday 6 September, Wednesday 27 September, Monday 2 October, Monday 30 October, Wednesday 1 November and Wednesday 29 November.
Session two
Monday 10 July, Monday 7 August, Wednesday 13 September, Wednesday 4 October, Monday 9 October, Monday 6 November, Wednesday 8 November and Wednesday 6 December.
Your clerk can book your place through the SALC member portal. Clerks should go onto the member portal and use the training filter and select 'councillors' to book places.