Life as a Councillor Induction Masterclass

“So, you’ve been elected –now what?”

How are you feeling now the votes have been counted. What are your expectations, fears and challenges.

This two-and-a-half-hour interactive session will consider:

• What is a Council and what is your role as a Councillor.
• The role of a ward Councillor/Executive member/ Committee member
• How are decisions taken and what are the key principles around decision making.
• How do you challenge/ question decisions made.
• Ward Councillor and community work- managing expectations of residents / case management techniques. Examples of good practice and when things can go wrong.
• Relationships between officers and Councillors- use of scenarios. “Building a bridge “
• How the various departments / directorates work together to the overall strategic plan.
• The Principles of Public Office.
• Effective communication and community leadership. The benefits of mentors. How to get your voice heard.
• Personal development and leadership. What do you want for the future and how you might get there?
• Building resilience. Staying connected. Hubs for peers/ keeping diaries / lessons learned.

This introduction will outline some key principles of your new role and identify any key areas of learning for future personal development.