Introducing some new E-learning courses to our selection, to help you stay up to date and trained on a range of issues!

We have added four new courses to our E-learning selection, to add to the 36 courses we already have available.

E-learning is a great way to learn at a time that is convenient to you, and at a pace that suits you, for people who are unable to attend webinars or in-person courses, or for subjects which might not be covered by webinars. Our e-learning is provided on the Nimble platform, in partnership with the South West Local Councils Association. We are delighted to have such a range of learning available for the councillors and staff of our member councils, to help keep you up to date on a range of topics.

We have some local council specific courses, including an Introduction to Local Councils, and a course on Standards in Public Life (looking at the Code of Conduct) as well as some courses created by Breakthrough Communications for the Civility and Respect Project:

• Respectful and positive communication on social media for local councils
• Leadership in challenging situations
• An introduction to emotional intelligence and personal resilience

There are also a huge range of courses looking at personal development, information law, cyber security, health and safety, environmental awareness and loads more. Costs start from £10 +VAT.

Have a look at our full e-learning range here!

New courses

The new courses added this week include:

Neurodiversity at Work Essentials

We all know that we should be aware of neurodiversity, and how to support colleagues in the workplace who may be neurodiverse. But what does the term actually mean? And what practical things can we do to make life at work easier for neurodiverse people?

First Aid Essentials

Being prepared with a basic knowledge of first aid can give you the confidence to provide immediate comfort and essential care while you wait for the professionals to arrive.

Working with Volunteers Essentials

We’ll take a look at the important distinction between paid and voluntary roles, advice for how to best support volunteers with onboarding and other training, plus how to motivate your volunteers so they have a great experience and keep returning to support your projects!

Prevent Awareness!

Developed by industry training specialists, Espirita, this Prevent Awareness course covers relevant legislation, an understanding of what radicalisation means, the relationship between extremism and terrorism, how to spot warning signs and where to obtain support for those in danger of becoming radicalised.

Reflecting on the benefits of emotional intelligence

In the realm of local governance, the demands on councillors and officers are multifaceted and often challenging. From navigating complex decisions to managing community expectations, the ability to navigate these waters with skill and grace is essential. DALC recognises these challenges, and encourages councils to consider an often over-looked aspect of personal development: emotional intelligence and resilience training.

DALC Training Officer, Elise Callaghan, reflected on her experience attending a webinar from Breakthrough Communications (a DALC partner) covering emotional intelligence, and the impact it can have on council roles.

“I have always been interested in the ‘mind-body’ connection and how our emotions and thoughts translate into behaviours – sometimes good and sometimes not so good. This webinar provides councillors and officers with an understanding of where our behaviours come from, what resilience means in the context of our council roles, and how we might build emotional resilience to manage what are often stressful and difficult situations.”

This testimonial echoes a sentiment shared by DALC and many councils: the need for emotional intelligence and resilience training is more pressing than ever. But why is this the case?

First and foremost, effective decision-making lies at the heart of good governance. Councillors and officers must navigate a myriad of emotionally charged issues, from budgetary constraints to community disputes. Emotional intelligence equips them with the tools to make sound judgments, understand differing perspectives, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Moreover, conflict resolution is an inevitable part of council work. By enhancing emotional intelligence, councillors and officers can defuse tensions, foster understanding, and find common ground amidst disagreement. This not only leads to more harmonious working relationships but also enhances public trust in the council’s ability to address contentious issues.

Stress management is another critical aspect of emotional intelligence and resilience training. The demands of council duties can be overwhelming at times, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Resilience training helps individuals develop coping mechanisms, maintain focus, and bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.

Furthermore, effective communication is paramount in engaging with parishioners and fostering community cohesion. Emotional intelligence training enhances interpersonal skills, enabling councillors and officers to listen actively, empathise with others’ perspectives, and convey their own ideas persuasively.

In essence, investing in emotional intelligence and resilience training isn’t just about improving individual performance; it’s about building stronger, more resilient councils that can effectively meet the needs of their communities. By equipping councillors and officers with the tools to navigate challenges with skill and grace, councils can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and trust that ultimately benefits all stakeholders involved.

Elise added, “The Breakthrough Communications webinar was thought-provoking, engaging and gave practical tips and strategies on how we can become more resilient. Having the opportunity to explore council focused scenarios and how best to respond to them was very helpful and emphasised that our reactions and behaviours in many situations are commonly shared but can also be overcome with self-awareness and by building our personal resilience”.

Breakthrough Communications are running this webinar again on:

• Monday 29 April at 09:30am
• Tuesday 7 May at 18:30pm
• Wednesday 5 June at 18:30pm

DALC member councils can book this session, and see our other Breakthrough Communications courses on offer on our website. This webinar costs £30 plus VAT and can be booked direct through our website.

If you would rather learn about this topic in your own time, we offer an e-learning module ‘An Introduction to Emotional Intelligence and Personal Resilience’ which can be found on our e-learning page, and which costs £16 plus VAT. Enrol on our website.

Additional Information

Breakthrough Communications is DALC’s communication partner, who provide local councils with advice, support and guidance relating to council communications and community engagement, as well as data protection and Freedom of Information.

Their experienced team stands ready to help your council communicate effectively and compliantly with your community.  Find out more about how Breakthrough Communications can help your council by visiting their website or by calling the team on 01903 299000