Questioning skills for scrutiny

Overview

Asking questions and actively listening is, of course, a crucial skill for elected members. But this is most intensely highlighted when it comes to scrutiny, probing, and questioning in a local authority. This engaging training will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation while providing comprehensive tools and frameworks to implement moving forward.

Key outcomes

• Distinguish between poor practice and good practice questions
• Develop helpful and communicative active listening skills
• Learn how to avoid common questioning mistakes

Who should attend

This programme has been developed for councillors who want to develop their questioning skills, particularly relating to scrutiny.

Your LGIU Trainer

Miranda Smythe has 30 years of experience helping organisations (mainly local governments) identify learning gaps and develop tailored, creative strategies to address their goals. Miranda is also involved in local community development activities and provides mental health awareness sessions for many not-for-profit organisations. She is chair of a local homelessness charity and has been instrumental in developing and facilitating community leadership initiatives in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

What others are saying about LGIU training

"The lesson was extremely clear and was packed with good tips around scrutiny. I especially liked the group work -- the whole session was interactive and it was helpful to be able to ask questions."

- Keith, from West Northamptonshire