Member Development 2024

The Member Development Programme

The Member Development Programme has been designed to enable Members to develop the skills and knowledge required to perform their duties. The calendar of events for 2024 can be found below. The page will be updated regularly as new training sessions and resources are added. Members are encouraged to attend all sessions where possible.

As well as internally run training, the programme will highlight specific events hosted by the Local Government Association (LGA). Members are also welcome to explore other webinars provided by the LGA by following this link. If there are any LGA events that you wish to attend, please contact rosie.kenyon@gloucestershire.gov.uk or laura.powick@gloucestershire.gov.uk for help with registering your attendance. Members are also encouraged to make use of the LGA's e-learning resources.

Where available, links to additional relevant resources have been added.

Training topic	Date	Delivery	Useful Resources
	January
Concur Expense System Training Teams	4th 10:00-12:00pm	Grant Stevens Rosie Kenyon	Blurb Session Resources
Concur Expense System Drop-in session Member's Room - SHIRE HALL	18th 14:00-16:00pm	Grant Stevens Rosie Kenyon	Blurb Session Resources
Treasury Management Training Session Teams	19th 10:00-12:00pm	Finance	Blurb
Statement of Accounts Training Teams	23rd 10:00-12:00pm	Finance	Blurb
	February
Effective opposition in Local Government Workbook		LGA	This workbook has been designed as a distance learning aid for local councillors. It is intended to provide councillors with insight and assistance with the key skills which will help you to be most effective in your role. Click here to access the workbook
Engaging with the Media and using social media Teams	19th 16:00-18:00pm	Adam Barnes	The session will include information on: media management preparing for and giving an interview use of social media the principles of engagement and consultation Session Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvntcC5sfsU Social media guidance for councillors \| Local Government Association
Personal Safety for Councillors	Wednesday 28 February 2024 2-3.40pm	LGA - via Zoom	This event, which is Government funded, has been specially devised for councillors who are keen to improve their awareness of personal safety. Built around the role of the elected member, the session is full of practical advice and guidance. Included within the event is advice on surgeries, canvassing, home visits and managing unexpected doorstep visitors.
	March
Building a Digital Place	Wednesday 6th March Thursday 7th March Friday 8th March Monday 11th March Wednesday 12th March Thursday 14th March 2-3pm	LGA - via zoom	Data and digital technology provide councils with new opportunities to engage with communities and enhance place based growth. As the pace of change increases, it is crucial for political leaders to understand the principles of digital placemaking and how it can boost the social, cultural, environmental and economic value of a place to foster a deeper relationship between people and the places where they live. Join us for a series of online masterclasses designed to empower councillors in leading their councils' placemaking journey through digitalisation. Local Government Association
Data and managing council performance	Friday 1st March 2024 10-12.30pm	LGA - via Zoom	This introductory training session will focus on data and the role it plays in managing council performance. The programme which has been developed in association with King’s College London has been designed for councillors. Local Government Association
Handling Online Abuse and Intimidation	Tuesday 5 March 2024 2-3.40pm	LGA - via Zoom	Many councillors are reporting unprecedented levels of abuse and threats on social media and are keen to learn strategies on how to manage posts which are potentially defamatory, inappropriate or threatening. This practical programme which is government funded will provide attendees with an awareness of the steps that can be taken to manage trolls and cyber-bullies, including a gentle introduction to the legal framework around social media posts. The session will include guidance on how to be safe online generally, as well as tips on how to create a positive online presence. Debate Not Hate \| Local Government Association
Leading good governance and assurance	Monday 11th March 10.30-12.30pm	LGA - via zoom	Recent high-profile examples of council failures have led to an increased awareness of the importance of good governance and assurance. The Local Government Association’s work to map the improvement and assurance framework for local government has identified key member roles and responsibilities, in addition to officer roles, which are necessary to ensure good governance and assurance. Local Government Association
LGA Adaptation virtual event	Thursday 14th March 10-11.30am	LGA - via zoom	For net zero to be reached, adaptation must happen. Adapting to current and predicted changes to our climate, both at the national and local levels, are vital across the society and economy and action needs to be taken across central government, local government and beyond. This session will highlight local government examples and guidance to help you to develop capability and capacity to implement adaptation action plans, strategies, and projects. It will assist your organisation and local place with tackling sustainability-based vulnerabilities in the face of growing hazards and risks. Local Government Association
	April
Safeguarding Children Briefing Hybrid - Members Room	15th April 2-4pm	Ann James and Dave Jones	This event has been designed to inform members about Safeguarding Children.
Improving Support for Care Leavers	24th April 10-11.30am	LGA -via zoom	Being a corporate parent means doing everything we can for every care leaver, to give them the opportunities, experiences and support that other young people get. It is also about being ambitious for the young people we are corporate parents to, encouraging them to dream big and supporting them to thrive as they navigate adult life. Corporate parenting is about asking “would this be good enough for my child?” Aimed at all councillors, and any officers who want to learn more about their corporate parenting responsibilities and good practice, this session will provide you with practical ideas and advice about how to be a good corporate parent. Hearing directly from young people with care experience, it will also cover the type of support care leavers want to see and best practice in delivering a local offer for care leavers.
Artificial Intelligence Briefing Hybrid - Members Room	24th April 2-4pm	Sherrill Holder	This event will give members an overview on Artificial Intelligence. Recording
	May
Local Approaches to Tackling Food Insecurity	8th May 10.00am - 11.30am	LGA - via zoom	This virtual event will hear from councils and voluntary and community organisations about their learnings from effective local approaches to improving residents’ financial resilience and access to nutritious food – which could be put into action in your area.
High Streets: how planning changes affect local strategies	8th May 2.00pm - 3.30pm	LGA - via zoom	The government has introduced a series of reforms that aim to help high streets respond more flexibly to the changing demands for space. The LGA has commissioned consultants Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to assess the impact and potential consequences of these changes. In this virtual event, LSH will present their findings, alongside insights from practitioners, about how they have delivered High Street strategies and adapted to recent planning changes.
Member Market Day Event Council Chamber	10th May 10am-12.30pm	Exec Directors/ Lead Officers	This event is to give members an opportunity to meet Senior Officers and seek information and clarity on a range of council services. This will include representatives from each directorate and other member services. There will also be a tour of Shire Hall to ensure members can navigate around more easily.
Member Briefing: Gloucestershire's Economic Strategy Member's Room or via teams	10th May 2.00-3.30pm	David Owen	David Owen, Director of Economy and Environment, will be giving a presentation on Gloucestershire’s Economic Strategy which is due to be considered by Cabinet on 15 May. This will include information on how the Strategy has evolved from the Vision 2050 exercise. Recording Presentation Slides
Time management for councillors	21st May 1.00pm - 2.30pm	LGA - via zoom	This virtual event, funded by UK Government, will take a look at the busy and changing world of the local councillor. We will consider some of the many and multiple roles that councillors perform and how to balance some of the ‘spinning plates’ involved in being a councillor.
	June
Improving uptake of free school meals: Local auto-enrolment approaches	11th June 2pm-3.30pm	LGA -via zoom	This virtual session will explore the different approaches to ‘auto-enrolment’, their impact, and the resources available to councils that are interested in introducing similar approaches. The LGA does not endorse any particular approach and councils wishing to implement auto-enrolment will need to ensure legal and data compliance, to the satisfaction of their own data protection officer. In the long-term the LGA are calling for a national solution.
	July
Personal safety for newly-elected councillors	10th July 2.00-3.40pm	LGA - Via zoom	This event has been specially devised for newly or recently-elected councillors who are keen to improve their awareness of personal safety. Built around the role of the elected member, the session is full of practical advice and guidance. Included within the webinar is advice on surgeries, canvassing, home visits and managing unexpected doorstep visitors.
Sustainability masterclass – informing and upskilling local leaders	16th July 10.30am-12.00pm	LGA - Via zoom	This virtual event will explore opportunities to increase the climate change and wider environmental sustainability knowledge and skills of local leaders.We will hear about the new carbon literacy accredited training courses that the LGA has been delivering to local authority councillors and members from across England. Delegates who have benefited from attending the courses will share their experience with us and we will discuss the opportunities for councils to access training locally.
Empowering healthy places: developing healthy neighbourhoods	18th July 10.00-11.30am	LGA - Via zoom	This virtual event, presented by Prior + Partners, the Quality of Life Foundation, two local councils, and hosted by the Local Government Association, introduces a comprehensive report aimed at guiding councils in using their planning and public health powers to promote healthier neighbourhoods. Delegates will gain insights from a decade of policy development, understand the current powers councils hold, and learn from innovative areas showcasing effective practice.
Handling online abuse and intimidation for newly-elected councillors	23rd July 2.00-3.30pm	LGA - Via Zoom	This practical programme will provide attendees with an awareness of the steps that can be taken to manage trolls and cyber-bullies, including a gentle introduction to the legal framework around social media posts. There will be guidance on how to be safe online generally, as well as tips on how to create a positive online presence.
	September
Dementia Awareness Training Committee Room	10th September 2.30-4.30pm	Steve Shelley-King	We are offering members an opportunity to learn more about dementia, including how to reduce your risk, signs and symptoms, common type of dementia, how to get a diagnosis and what support is available for people affected by dementia.
Finance without numbers - Introduction to local government finance	19th September 2-3.30pm	LGA - Via zoom	This virtual event will provide an overview of local government finance without any numbers - focusing instead on roles and responsibilities, key terminologies and processes. It will give you an understanding of both what you need to be aware of in your role and what you need to understand about your authority’s role and is aimed at newly elected members or those just looking for a refresh.
	October
Children's Safeguarding	1 October 9.30am - 11.30am Via Teams	Ann James/ Paul Shallcross
Anti-Slavery Briefing (Re-arranged from July)	2 October 10.30am – 12pm Via Teams	Hilary Agg (Unseen UK)	https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/ https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/councillor-guide-tackling-modern-slavery https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/council-guide-tackling-modern-slavery https://www.unseenuk.org/business/ https://www.unseenuk.org/business/ https://www.unseenuk.org/reports/care-sector-report/
Personal Safety for Councillors	9th October, 2.00-3.40pm Via Zoom	LGA	This event, which is Government funded, has been specially devised for councillors who are keen to improve their awareness of personal safety. Built around the role of the elected member, the session is full of practical advice and guidance. Included within the webinar is advice on surgeries, canvassing, home visits and managing unexpected doorstep visitors.
Finance without numbers - an introduction to local government finance	15th October 6.00-7.00pm Via Zoom	LGA	This virtual event will provide an overview of local government finance without any numbers - focusing instead on roles and responsibilities, key terminologies and processes. It will give you an understanding of both what you need to be aware of in your role and what you need to understand about your authority’s role and is aimed at newly elected members or those just looking for a refresh.
Member Code of Conduct (Rearranged from July)	22nd October 1-3pm via Teams	Rob Ayliffe	The session will cover the following: - The role of officers in supporting members of the council - The importance of maintaining good relationships between members and officers of the council – and the responsibilities of both with regards to the other - An opportunity to explore the issues that can sometimes arise when things go wrong, and how to manage them. Member Code of Conduct Member Development Session-20241022_130301-Meeting Recording.mp4
Handling online abuse and intimidation for councillors	31st October 2-3.30pm Via Zoom	LGA	This practical programme, which is government funded, will provide attendees with an awareness of the steps that can be taken to manage trolls and cyber-bullies, including a gentle introduction to the legal framework around social media posts. There will be guidance on how to be safe online generally, as well as tips on how to create a positive online presence.
	November
Data and managing council performance - training for councillors	6th November 10-12.30pm Via Zoom	LGA	This will be a taught course, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to participate throughout. The session will cover the following topics: • what is data? • common ways in which data is analysed and presented • key questions to ask of our data • performance management – measuring what matters.
COP29: The importance of local government's role in sustainability	12th November 10-11.30am Via Zoom	LGA	As COP29 approaches, this virtual event will focus on how councils have been and will continue to play an important role in positively contributing to global efforts to address the climate crisis.
	December
Data and managing council performance	2nd December 2-4.30pm Via MS Teams	LGA	Good use of data within councils is crucial to informing decision-making and monitoring performance. This session will help you to: • understand data • interpret performance reports • ask the right questions • use data to make informed decisions.
Leading good governance and assurance	3rd December, 10-16.30pm Via Zoom	LGA	This full day interactive webinar will provide a grounding in what governance and assurance mean, including the key principles, structures and processes. It will focus on councillor roles and how to identify the warning signs of weak governance and assurance.
An introduction to effective scrutiny	12th December 2-3.30pm Via Zoom	LGA	This virtual event which is funded by Government will examine the legal background and framework of the statutory function of overview and scrutiny within a council. It will consider the principles underpinning effective overview and scrutiny including the key role of scrutiny in driving improvement, creating an enabling environment and supporting public scrutiny. It will look at the role of scrutiny in acting as a ‘critical friend’, as well as an independent voice of challenge within the council itself. It will examine ways you can be most effective as a councillor in a scrutiny role.