Print Version PDFProfessional Development
What support and training can I expect?
Councillors come
to office with experience, contacts, passion and commitment, but it is never
expected that they are elected and immediately have all the tools, training,
experience and competencies that might be required over a four-year term.
It is
increasingly understood that preparing as a candidate, being elected,
performing the role as a councillor and possibly as a mayor are part of a
leadership and leaning journey. That journey continues throughout time on
council. It is now expected that councillors will undertake relevant
professional development so they are increasingly prepared and skilled for the
requirements of the role.
Some councillors
argue that because have been elected to
council all that is required of them is that they take their place in
government at the council table. While it is a democratic principle that the
choice of candidates is entirely up to voters, in a modern age of complex
issues where councillors are most often part time and come with diverse
backgrounds and experience, it is incumbent on them to be open to continual
learning and professional development.
The Municipal Association will offer all
councillors once elected, a range of professional development opportunities.
These take five forms:
- An offer to local government to conduct tailored councillor
induction programs for their councillors;
- A program of professional development opportunities based on a
framework of identified councillor competencies including: leadership,
strategy, land use planning, relationship management, environment and
asset management, financial management and governance. These programs will
provide introductory to advanced sessions over the life of a council term
and are located around the state in a variety of locations.
- One-off seminar workshops and training events on issues of
importance.
- Councillor Development Weekend, usually held in July each year,
offering high level programs, speakers and content.
- Maximising the Mayoralty - a professional development program to
assist mayors in achieving the most in their mayoral term, for their
councillor colleagues and the community.
