How did you decide what courses to include in this service?
We developed the course catalogue with our user base from across the local government sector. The content we’ve selected covers many of the core issues facing today’s councillors and, in all cases, we’re giving a high level overview of the subject which can then be supported by face to face sessions or further reading.
How do you decide when courses are released?
We have timed the release of the modules to coincide with key milestones or developments. For example, the licensing and regulation module will be launched in September to coincide with the Gambling Act legislation.
Can I buy Modern Councillor for only 1 or 2 councillors?
In order to keep the cost of this service low, we are offering it on a council wide basis so if you want to use the service, you need to buy it for all councillors.
We think this is attractive as it means you’re treating all your councillors fairly; some councils have been really surprised by the people who have been at the forefront of using the service within their authority.
How do I access the courses?
All the Modern Councillor courses are available online.
Each region who has bought a subscription has been given their own link to access the courses in an area that is developed just for them. This link looks like www.moderncouncillor.com/regionalname
If we have received your user information we’ll have given you a user name (probably your email address) and password so that you can log in and access the service.
If you don’t know your log in details please contact our support team.
What other courses are you planning, and when?
Due to the success of the service to date, we’re planning to include a number of additional modules on Corporate Parenting, Planning Legislation, Equality and Diversity and the Community Call for Action. Timings for all these additional courses are still to be confirmed – watch this space!
Can councillors use the core subscription content?
Yes – councils who subscribe to the core Learning Pool subscription are welcome to use that content (visit www.learningpool.co.uk). However bear in mind that the delivery mechanism may not be the same depending on how the council has bought Modern Councillor.
If your authority currently just subscribes to Learning Pool please talk to your account manager about accessing the content for elected Members.
How do I know when new courses become available?
We’ll send an email to all the contacts on our list when a new course becomes available. We’ll also publicise it on the website and in time, we’re planning to include an RSS feed for you to subscribe to which will automatically keep you up to date.
If you would like to be kept informed and don’t think you are on any of these lists, please email us.
Can I link Modern Councillor with my own intranet/website?
Yes – you can link to Modern Councillor from any webpage very easily.
Just bear in mind that to access Modern Councillor you need internet access so if you have users who have intranet access only, this may be a problem. If you’re unsure about this, please contact our support team.
What help is there for me if I get stuck?
We have an experienced customer services team dedicated to supporting the Modern Councillor service. Please contact support to help answer any of your queries.
Can I personalize my Modern Councillor site?
Yes, please contact our support team if you want to do this and the team will talk you through the various considerations.
Can I add specific courses to my website (eg, add intro to loc gov course before loc gov elections for potential councillors)?
If your authority has bought Modern Councillor individually (ie not as part of a regional purchase) you can add additional resources to your portal. These may be Power Point presentations, documents in various formats or other online resources such as glossaries and questionnaires.
Regions who’ve purchased Modern Councillor have been given their own link to access the courses in an area of the website that is developed and tailored, on a regional basis, just for them.
For any other specific queries about tailoring your Modern Councillor site please contact us.
How did you decide which courses to do when?
We take our lead from a group of member support officers, councillors, former councillors and regional representatives who help us steer the service.
