Councillor Development Framework

What is it?

When you become a new Councillor it's not always clear what training you need to attend so we've brought together all the advice around training for Councillors and developed a framework of training. There are four key stages –

Foundation

Core

Leader

Advanced

What do I need to do?

Attend the training courses, complete reading and/or e-learning for each stage then complete the relevant form so we can send your certificate when you've completed each stage. You don't even need to complete them in order or by each stage.

How long does it take?

We've included a suggested timeframe for each stage but you can complete the stages in a timeframe to suit you and your Council, if you want to go faster or slower than we've suggested that's great.

We recognise that no two Councils or Councillors are the same so we haven't put in a firm timeframe for each stage. It will depend on; when you join the Council, what training budget the Council has as well as your availability and the training dates.

What do I get?

You will receive a certificate for each stage you reach.

I've attended these courses previously, will I need to attend them again to qualify?

Absolutely not, although it wouldn't hurt to refresh your training if it was a number of years ago; trainers change so the delivery of the training aspect changes. If you've already attended these courses and would like to claim your status, drop an email to mreilly@northantscalc.gov.uk and we will send you your certificate.

Download the Councillor Development Framework Workbook to keep track of your progress. When you've completed a stage, email a copy to mreilly@northantscalc.gov.uk to claim your certificate.

Councillors are elected by parishioners to act in their best interests, and represent them, I do not believe we can do this without at least the basic insight into how we should conduct ourselves, and what is actually possible. These courses give you that knowledge. What I’m saying here really is that no matter how long you have been a Councillor there is always something to learn, and there seems to be a course for pretty much everything.

Arm yourselves with this knowledge and you will truly be able to become a useful Councillor.

With so much training on offer it is a good guide of what courses to do and in what order.

Their training courses have always been of a high level, with knowledgeable trainers, often with some participation/interaction which makes them enjoyable.

I feel that the training gives me increased confidence that what I am saying is based on something credible rather than just a gut reaction of what seems reasonable / logical.

As a Councillor I feel that I can with some confidence work with parishioners on making our parish as good as it can be, I can either explain why things are done in a particular way (Why on earth don’t you have an AOB section in the Agenda for example), know who to contact for particular advice, and how to use the system for our Parishes advantage. (It’s amazing what the instructors will tell you !!)

I completed all three stages of the CDF for a number of reasons:

I felt as a total novice to the Parish Council I should learn what it means, the first parts of the CDF gave me a basic insight to this.

I completed all three stages of the CDF for a number of reasons:

I felt, it was my duty to ensure I was sufficiently “armed” with the correct information about the specifics, and nuances of the operations of a Parish Council. For that you need to take the time to work through all levels of the CDF, and continue your journey thereafter.

I completed all three stages of the CDF for a number of reasons:

I was curious, I didn’t understand why things needed to be done in a particular way, and wanted to see why. I do now.

The Councillor Development Framework, I believe, has been well thought out. It covers a good number of topics, and allows you to be prepared !

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