Community
Leadership
Awards
Councillor Development
Accredited Programmes
Fay Edwards
Head of Learning & Development
Awarding
Organisations
A
contentious
issue?
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Cllr Rory Palmer
“Councillors
should make sure
their skills are
properly accredited
and valued beyond
the world of local
government”
Conversely, some may take
the view that Councillors
should serve their
communities and not seek
to enhance their CVs or
place academic value on
their duties
Being a Councillor
is a unique
experience
It can enrich and
enhance career
prospects
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Many will welcome a
process that
recognises
achievements in the
world beyond local
government
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National Census of Local Authority Councillors
2008
94% of Councillors had attended at least one training
event in the last year
76% of Councillors aged under 25 would have liked a
qualification
41% of those aged 60 - 64 wanted to gain one
57% of those in favour of accredited provision felt it
should be a ‘stand alone independent qualification’
46% welcomed a formal qualification
Some challenges
Theory and application
Time and commitment
Relevancy and appropriateness
Finance and selection
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Some solutions
Use practical assessment methods
Use existing programmes
Keep assessment optional
Use existing providers
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Introduction to Community
Leadership Award
Programme focus
Roles & Responsibilities of the
community leader
Engage successfully with the
community
Review community engagement and
leadership
Respond to issues and concerns
Act on behalf of individuals and
communities
Manage time and resources effectively
How it works
Those new to community leadership will be
supported through Council induction programmes.
At the end of which, they will complete two
assignments to reflect back on what they have
learned and to begin to shape their role within the
community.
Councils will also receive summary feedback from
the interviews providing a quality review of the
effectiveness of their Induction programme
Assessment method
1.
2.
Reflective Review
Professional
Discussion
Interview
Community Leadership
Practitioner Award
Programme focus
Gather data to inform arguments and aid
decision-making
Analyse and interpret data
Present information to inform decisionmaking
Provide informed and considered input into
community plans
Involve communities in decision-making
Monitor the implementation of community
plans and services
How it works
The intended participants are those with some
experience (after approximately one year in the role
of Councillor or Community Leader). These
practising Councillors (and other Community
Leaders) will have the opportunity to develop
Decision-Making, Implementing and Monitoring skills
through assessing and using information in the
context of a specific theme reflecting their roles on
particular committees or specific areas of
representation. These might include Planning,
Licensing, Overview & Scrutiny, Localism,
Conservation and Climate Change, Housing, Waste
and Recycling, Electronic Communication and
Community Engagement, Social Care, Social
Enterprise, Health, Transport.
Assessment method
1.
2.
Gather data and
information support
decisions
Prepare and deliver a
written or verbal case-study
on a theme or interest you
have been involved in
Advanced Community
Leadership Award
Programme focus
The purpose of and preparation
required prior to a meeting
Lead a community or committee
meeting
Develop a negotiation strategy to
achieve positive outcomes
Plan a presentation
Deliver a presentation
Evaluate own ability to make
presentations
Monitor and assess service provision
Contribute to a plan for improving
service provision
Evaluate the implementation of a
How it works
This award aims to give those with
1.
significant experience (two years or more)
the opportunity to broaden their
2.
Reforming, Leading and Communication
skills and knowledge through the delivery
of a presentation, chairing meetings and
influencing change. This award builds on 3.
the previous two although candidates are
not required to undertake them as a prerequisite and may join this programme
directly if they have sufficient experience
in the Community Leadership role.
Assessment method
Observed Chairing a
meeting
Plan a presentation showing
your contribution to
monitoring and improving a
community issue
Deliver a presentation
Next Steps:
•Contact Lisa Butterfill if interested
in progressing further:
[email protected]
•Potential RIEP funding available
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