The political skills experienced councillors; however, the framework is a purposeful resource to middle leaders. It can aid understanding of the political skills in councillors’ roles that are prompted by developments in local government and the wider social context.
- Learning method: toolkit
- Duration: one hour reading time
The political skills toolkit is designed to support local councillors and those working with them in their efforts to review and support individual development needs.
The toolkit contains:
- a revised easy-to-access political skills framework that takes account of changes in councillors’ roles prompted by recent developments in local government and the wider social context
- self-reflective learning reviews based on each of the skill sets that can be used by councillors and those who they work with, to identify their own areas of strength and areas for development.
The political skills framework | LGA
Based on the Association’s extensive research, this one-day interactive workshop will take council officers through the different roles of elected members and officers. It covers the challenges of working together and looks at developing relationships to improve outcomes for communities.
It will be delivered by an experienced councillor who will give an insight into the mindset of an elected member; and an officer with experience of working with elected members over several years.
- Learning method: workshop
- Duration: two half days online
- Cost: £304.00 + VAT
You will learn more about how to:
- appreciate the different officer and member roles and where they intersect
- evaluate the impact of better member and officer relationships on community outcomes
- analyse the challenges and opportunities in the roles and relationships
- develop skills needed to navigate political dynamics
- gain tips on conflict management
- appreciate the effect of member and officer relationships on the organisational culture.
Working with elected members to improve frontline services | Association for Public Service Excellence
This workbook has been designed as a distance learning aid for local councillors. Whilst its focus is for local councillors, the content can provide middle leaders in adult social services with a good foundational knowledge on building a constructive and collaborative relationship between councillors and officers, as well as how councils work with a committee system of governance.
- Learning method: guide
- Duration: one to two hours
You will learn more about:
- the role of councillors and the officers and the barriers or use of language that can lead to misunderstandings
- the structure, roles and responsibilities of local councillors and officers
- how to debate, decide and act in a joint way, considering both the political and managerial priorities and realities
- how to build effective relationships and understanding the expectations councillors and officers will have of each other
- the seven principles of public life.
A councillor’s workbook on effective councillor and officer relationships | Local Government Association
Boosting middle leaders is a leadership programme which brings together councillors and officers to build relationships, share perspectives, and develop practices that will help them to deliver the best outcomes for their places and communities. The programme, delivered through a blend of online and in-person workshops and residentials, is delivered in collaboration with the Leadership Centre.
- Learning method: training course
- Duration: one day workshop and two two-day residentials. There will also be two online skills development workshops
- Cost: £500 for the full programme. A bursary may be available in some circumstances.
As participants, you will bring challenges from your work that relate to working across functions and roles to achieve public service outcomes - and it is the substance of your challenges that will shape the programme. Within your cohort, you will build relationships, developing empathy and respect between councillors and officials.
This will underpin the learning journey and will help to ensure that people develop capabilities and solutions to their challenges that will benefit their authorities and the places and communities they serve.
Boosting Middle Leaders programme | Local Government Association
Understanding different political cultures and motivations is essential for local government employees and officers. This short online course will help managers understand the political environment and explore the subtle differences between working with different political figures and groups.
- Learning method: workshop
- Duration: three hours
- Cost: Depends on numbers required, contact provider for more information.
By the end of this course, you will:
- have an improved understanding of the political backdrop to day-to-day activities
- define “political awareness” and understand how it impacts your working environment
- learn how to integrate political awareness within your day-to-day work
- understand political culture
- understand how the roles, motivations and perspectives may differ between elected councillors and officers
- understand how politicians measure success
- understanding “individual power” and how it can be used
- cover the skills needed to demonstrate good political awareness.
Political Awareness Training - Local Government Training and Development Academy
This workshop is designed for managers to further develop an awareness of working in a political environment with members and the public. The workshop will support the development of political skills and ‘political astuteness’ and support managers to understand the importance of an effective councillor and officer relationship.
- Learning method: workshop
- Duration: two hours online
- Cost: £750.00
By the end of the workshop, managers will be able to:
- understand the complexity of working with Members in a political environment through a devolved decision-making structure
- grasp is meant by ‘political awareness and political astuteness’ and the skills for working in a changing political environment
- develop an awareness of the importance of an effective councillor and officer relationship
- understand the importance of the relationship with residents.
Managing in a political environment - developing political skills - South East Employers
Designed for professionals keen to learn the importance of political leadership in public service management and the dynamics of management within a political system, this eight-week short course places emphasis on the skills required to manage the interface between political and managerial leadership.
- Learning method: training course
- Duration: eight weeks at 12-15 hours per week
- Cost: £1,405
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- evaluate and interpret the theories and concepts which distinguish political, professional and managerial leadership in public services
- analyse and apply the skills required to operate successfully in a political environment in different situations
- critically appreciate the nature of professional competence and integrity in managing effective relationships with politicians and the value of trust in that context
- design appropriate governance structures which enable elected officials to hold managers and public sector organisations to account.
Managing in a Political Environment - University of Birmingham
