Introduction to Local Government

This module was commissioned by the IDeA for Learning Pool and is designed to give you an insight into the purpose of local government, how it operates, who it involves and how it came about.

Whether you are new to local government, and completing this module as part of your induction, or are already working in the sector, this module will provide you with interesting facts and information, and links to other resources. There are 5 sections which each take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
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Overview and Scrutiny

Overview and scrutiny is the way councils can achieve community leadership, good governance and by which councillors can become powerful and influential politicians. Overview and scrutiny is potentially the most exciting and powerful element of the entire local government modernisation process. It places members at the heart of policy making.

This course will explore what overview and scrutiny is and why it is important. It is broken down into 3 sections and will normally take 30 minutes to complete in full.
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Your role as a Councillor

Particularly useful for newly elected councillors, this course introduces you to your role and explores your motivations for becoming a councillor. We also look at the personal attributes needed for you to be successful for your community.

The key aspects of your role as community leaders and representatives of the citizens in your wards are examined, along with how decisions are made within different councils. You're also given the opportunity to assess your newly-gained understanding in a practical exercise.
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Community Leadership

Focusing on Understanding Community Leadership, Achieving Effective Leadership and Community cohesion, this course aims to encourage councillors to think about what it means to lead their communities; explain where the new focus on leading communities has arisen from and it follows our very own Cllr Pete Bennett as he addresses issues in his local community.

In addition the course touches on how Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements contribute to community leadership and considers how Councillors can help make their communities more cohesive. Comprising four sections, this course will take just over 30 minutes to complete in one go or about 9 minutes per section.
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Information Technology in Local Government

Information technology is at the heart of delivering better and more citizen-centred services. This course approaches Information Technology (IT) from two perspectives - IT and Transformation, and IT and Councillors.

This course explains the Transformational Government vision and how it is expected to shape the services that local authorities provide for the future. It also explores the many benefits that technology can bring to your work as an elected member.
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Risk Management

This 30 minute module uses scenarios and case studies to illustrate what risk is and how to manage it. 

Using our fictional council of Wickstaffordshire, the module covers how to manage risk, why managing risk is so important (and how it affects your CPA score) plus what some sources of risk are.

Including practical models, such as the Risk Management Cycle, and links to information for those who want to study in more depth, this course is essential for those who need to know how to identify, analyse and mitigate risks. 
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Code of Conduct

This module provides an introduction to the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Elected Members and it explains what councillors need to do to comply with the new 2007 Code. It covers the need to register interests, the difference between personal and prejudicial interests and what action you need to take when one becomes apparent. It also identifies the consequences for Councillors and their authorities in breaching the Code.
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Public Speaking

Public speaking skills don't come naturally to everybody; many people would rather do anything than stand up and speak in public. As a councillor it's a key part of your role. This course will show you how to give yourself the best chance of success.
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Working with the Media

This course explores best practice around media interviews, guides you through the preparation and the interview itself, and helps you to understand the interviewer's motivation. It examines the process for dealing with crisis situations and equips you to approach interviews with broadcast or published media confidently. The course will normally take between 30 and 40 minutes to complete.
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Chairing Meetings

This course examines the key skills involved in chairing meetings effectively, including pre-meeting preparation, how to ensure that everyone is heard and ensuring that the meeting's objectives are achieved.  It also addresses the importance of political neutrality for the role of the chair.
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Data protection

A subject that is important at any time, this module summarises the key data protection principles and explores scenarios in which the security of data can be compromised. It provides guidance to councillors on working securely with the data that they encounter.
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Equality & Diversity

Our E & D course summarises the six strands of equalities legislation, and reminds councillors of the importance of respecting differences and providing services to everyone without discrimination. Various scenarios in the course help councillors to explore their obligations under the legislation.
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Licensing and Regulation

This course considers the key aspects of the new Licensing Act as it applies to licensing decisions.   You will find scenarios that explore the four main areas of licensing and regulation: licensing, gambling, hackney carriages and sex shops.   The course focuses on the way in which councillors should participate in meetings and arrive at decisions, as well as on the legislation itself.