Our Councillor Development Framework has been developed to help meet the needs of councillors who are looking to find the support, guidance and training they need to be a good councillor. With parish and town councils delivering an increasingly wide range of services and projects, councillors are playing an ever more important role in their communities. The responsibilities of sitting on the council can be daunting with rules, procedures and legislation to understand as well as managing community expectations and your own aspirations. That’s where the framework can support you on your journey from newly elected to effective community leader.
The councillor development framework offers a variety of learning opportunities such as suggested reading, e-learning, webinars and in-person courses to suit every council size and budget, as well as different learning styles and time availability.
All councillors bring a wide range of knowledge, skills, and experience to their role. We recommend councils complete a skills audit to help identify the valuable experience within their team – this will help plan for the future, assist with team building, and identify where training may be helpful.
Getting to know the council is just as important as training when you are getting started! We recommend councillors engage in any induction process that is offered, read the council’s policies and procedures, and ask for help from the clerk and/or experienced members when needed.
Key knowledge and a broad understanding is a good starting point for all councillors. The foundation level focuses on:
This is a foundation level course providing an introduction to local councils and being a councillor. It is available as a webinar series, or as a face-to-face course, or through our in-house training.
An overview of the rules and expectations that govern councillors, including declaring interests, dispensations and complaints. Available as a webinar, or through our in-house training
E-learning options are also available with courses on:
An introduction to local councils
Standards in public life
The Good Councillor’s Guide, published by the National Association of Local Councils, is essential reading for all councillors providing an introduction to the work of councils and the part you play as a councillor.
Once foundation knowledge has been attained, councillors can develop their understanding on key aspects of council business. This next stage develops subject knowledge, building a greater understanding of how the council operates. It focuses on:
Previous experience may help with some of these topics, but it is important to recognise the difference between local government and other sectors.
An introductory course to support understanding of the council’s role as an employer, and employee rights.
Understand the council’s role in the planning system and how best to represent your community’s views
Gain a greater understanding of local council finance including responsibilities, budgeting, precepts, audit and VAT
Understand how data protection legislation sits within your role as an elected member
There are some excellent publications that might help with these topics; try reading:
The Good Councillor’s guide to employment
The advanced stage is for councillors keen to develop specialist/advanced knowledge in certain areas of council business such as employment, finance, and planning. This may be particularly useful for members on council committees where in-depth knowledge would be beneficial to the council.
With many more available to view on our training and events page.
For those councillors aspiring to leadership positions, or looking to develop their leadership skills within the community, we have developed courses to enhance your knowledge and skills further.
All of our courses are listed here, with several dates available for some courses. Courses are booked on a first come, first served basis. Reservations for unknown delegates will not be accepted. Councils will be invoiced for delegates near the time the course takes place.
If you cannot find the course you are looking for, please contact us (email communication preferred).
Cancellation policy: cancellations within 48 hours of the course will still be charged for.