Member Development 2025

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 2025 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
Personal Safety for Councillors	16th January, 2-3.40pm	LGA Via Zoom
Handling online abuse and intimidation for Councillors	30th January, 2-3.30pm	LGA Via Zoom
	February
Data and managing council transformation	5th February, 10-12.30pm	LGA Via Microsoft Teams	Councillors are invited to join us on MS Teams to attend our free virtual introductory training sessions on data and the role it plays in managing transformation
Safer Canvassing	6th February, 2-3.30pm	LGA Via Zoom	This practical Government-funded programme will provide attendees with an awareness of steps that can be taken to ensure that canvassing is safe, enjoyable and productive for all those taking part. It will include advice and guidance on how to plan a session, situational awareness, warning signs to be aware of and ensuring the whole group is safe.
Data and managing council transformation	26th February, 10-12.30pm	LGA Via Microsoft Teams	Councillors are invited to join us on MS Teams to attend one of our free virtual introductory training sessions on data and the role it plays in managing council performance.
	March

	April

	May
Members' Market Day	6th May 10-3pm	GCC Executive Directors/ Democratic Services	This is an opportunity for members to meet senior officers and seek information and clarity on a range of council services. There will also be a tour of Shire Hall to ensure members can navigate around more easily. Presentation slides
Core information for members	8th May 10-3pm	Rob Ayliffe/ Stephen Bace	This session will provide new (and returning) members with an understanding of their role and responsibilities as a County Councillor, preparing you for your first few months in office, and beyond. Presentation Slides
The first bite: how councils shape early years nutrition in nurseries, childminders and preschools	7th May 10.30-12.00pm	LGA Via MS Teams	The Local Government Association and Bremner and Co. invite you to join us for this engaging virtual event as we explore how councils are tackling the challenges of food provision and nutrition in early years settings. With a focus on nurseries, childminders, preschools and innovative council-led projects, this session will highlight practical approaches and valuable insights into improving nutrition for young children.
Effective Communication and Handling the Media	13th May 10-12pm	Adam Barnes	The session will provide members with an understanding of: The role of the Communications Team Working with the media – including some ‘do’s and don’ts’ Using social media - including some ‘do’s and don’ts’ Consultation and engagement Resources Presentation Slides GCC Social Media Response Model New Conversations LGA guide to engagement Guide to the role of councillors on social media \| Local Government Association Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, We’re in the money https://youtu.be/7zYJqX8x-Io
Relationships that deliver results	29th May, 1-3pm	LGA Via MS Teams	This Government funded event will provide advice, tools and support on how to: • build trust and create inclusive partnerships that will deliver for local communities • assess and influence stakeholders • foster inclusivity; and • create win:win outcomes
	June
Corporate Parenting and Safeguarding Session	4th June 10-2pm	Paul Shallcross/Dave Jones/ Dan Jones Via Teams	This session will be split into two parts. Part 1 – Corporate Parenting. This session will cover: The national context for children in care. - Information regarding the cohort of children in care in Gloucestershire. - The role and function of Corporate Parenting in Gloucestershire. - The role of members as Corporate Parents. This session will also introduce members to the Ambassadors. Part 2 – Safeguarding our Children and Young People. This session will cover: - The national context for safeguarding children and young people. - Overview of current local safeguarding context and our journey to good and outstanding - Safeguarding processes/ arrangements in Gloucestershire, such as Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and LCSPRs - The role of members in safeguarding children and young people. Presentation Slides Session Recording: https://gloucestershire.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/990232
ICT, Information Management and Concur Drop-In Session	10th June 10-3pm	Sherill Holder/ Mark Slater/ Jenny Grodzicka/ Stephen Bace	ICT session recording: https://youtu.be/5U93rLqbyJo MOD.Gov and SAP Concur Session recording: https://youtu.be/pekUsEDOkjE Cyber security session recording: https://youtu.be/nStH1R98mqU
Local Government Finance	12th June 10-12pm	Gareth Rees Via teams	This session will provide members with an understanding of: - The Local Government financial regulatory framework (including reference to Council Constitution) - GCC budget setting process (and Medium-Term Financial Strategy) - In-year budget monitoring (quarterly Cabinet reporting) - Statement of Accounts Existing GCC budgets and context Induction session recording: https://youtu.be/YwxrCMfwqYU
LGA National New Councillors' Welcome Event	19th June 5-7pm	LGA Via MS Teams	This Government funded virtual session will provide you with an introduction to the work of the Local Government Association, our councillor leadership and Sector Led Improvement programmes, as well as an insight into the support provided regionally to all elected members. You will have the opportunity to explore the national challenges facing councils, hear from experienced councillors on their top tips to equip you in your new role, and join an interactive breakout session with councillors from your LGA Political Group.
Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Session	20th June 11-4pm	Mandy Quayle/Gillian Parkinson/ Jenny Grodzicka Cowley Room (Block 1)	This training session will focus on the Council’s obligations in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). It will provide an opportunity for members to build their awareness and understanding of the key equality concepts which apply to members to encourage promotion of an inclusive and equitable environment for Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire’s communities by: Fostering awareness of EDI Building members knowledge of their accountabilities for EDI and Understanding the County Council’s Public Sector Equality Duty set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 in making decisions. EDI Training Session Presentation Unconscious Bias References
Scrutiny Principles and Chairing Scrutiny	24th June 2-4pm	GCC/ Southwest Councils Via teams	Session to cover: - The concept and role of scrutiny - Principles of effective scrutiny - Statutory awareness, responsibility, and powers - Scrutiny skills - Making recommendations - Chairing scrutiny - Scrutiny at GCC – current structure. - Prioritisation of scrutiny agenda items and considering more flexible ways of delivering scrutiny - Examples of best practice by other councils Scrutiny’s role during organisational change (moving to unitary)
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Session	26th June 10-12pm	Ann James/ Kirsten Harrison Via teams	Members to be provided with: - An overview of GCC’s responsibilities for children and young people and their families with SEND. - An overview of the services provided by GCC. An overview of the current challenges facing the local and national SEND arrangements SEND Member Session Presentation SEND Session Recording

	July
Climate Literacy Session	8th July 2-4pm	Committee Room/Teams	The aim of this session is to introduce members to the council's approach to achieving carbon net zero. Recording
How do you get things done? An introduction to council governance for new councillors	10th July 2-3.30pm	LGA Via teams	This Government funded virtual event for new councillors provides an introduction to how councils are governed and the respective roles and responsibilities of councillors and officers. Attendees will learn about the structures and checks and balances that support decision-making and keeping each council safe.
Emergency Planning Session	11th July 10-1pm	Council Chamber, Shire Hall	The aim of the session is to provide an understanding of the emergency preparedness and response arrangements in Gloucestershire and outline the role of Elected Members before, during and after emergencies.
Understanding local government audit committees	16th July 1.30-3pm	LGA Via teams	The event funded by Local Government will look at both internal and external audit processes and consider the purpose, function, and effectiveness of audit committees. It will look at topics such as financial and wider reporting processes, accountability, risk management, internal control, and the work programme of the audit committee.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Prevent Aware	18th July 2-4pm	Committee Room/Teams	The session to provide an overview of the GFRS Prevent Aware programme, including the role of members.
Personal safety for newly-elected councillors	22nd July 2-3.40pm	LGA Via teams	This event, which is Government funded, 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. The session includes advice on surgeries, canvassing, home visits and managing unexpected doorstep visitors.
Handling online abuse and intimidation for newly-elected councillors	24th July 2-3.30pm	LGA Via teams	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.
	September
Better mental health for Councillors	24th September 1.30-3pm	LGA Via Teams	This virtual event will take a look at some of the internal and external factors that can impact your wellbeing and resilience as an elected member. It will look at: some of the definitions of mental health and illness the concept of risk and protective factors basic psychology and tackling unhelpful thinking patterns why the role of councillor is vulnerable to additional stress managing social media managing relationships with colleagues and constituents the role of exercise, diet, and green space.
Finance without numbers - An introduction to local government finance	29th September 2-3.30pm	LGA Via Teams	This Government funded 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
Member Code of Conduct	10th October 11am-1pm	Rob Ayliffe Council Chamber
	November
Introduction to Highways	17th November 9.30-11am	Jason Humm Via Teams	This session will cover: Fix my street – how members can report online Highway operations – safety defect repairs and managing resources Area Highway Teams - what they do, their contact details and how members can work with them Resurfacing programme – prioritisation and management of works Collaboration with members to managing workload and expectation Recording
	December
Interpreting Data	8th December 9.30-11am	John James Via Teams	This session will cover: 'what is data?' common ways in which data is analysed and presented performance management – understanding how well we are doing Recording
Local Government Finance	17th December 9-11am	Gareth Rees Via Teams	Prior to Budget Scrutiny in January and Budget Council in February, Members will have a chance to learn more about Local Government Finance and ask questions on how the budget setting process works.