New Developments - ADVOCACY FOR COUNCILLORS
A one-day training event to develop the role of the community councillor

Aims:
To improve the decision-making process within individual local authorities by reinforcing backbench skills.

Objectives:
· To build upon existing community advocacy skills
· To provide general guidance on questioning skills
· To provide guidance on the framework of the right of members to information
· To provide specific guidance on how to approach

1. scrutiny committee work
2. planning and development control work
3. licensing committee work
4. education (school organisation, admissions and exclusions)

Format for the day:
Morning – general training session
Afternoon – two workshops chosen for the four listed above, followed by a concluding plenary session

Content:
Ø Using advocacy skills to support your community
Ø Representing constituents’ views on relevant issues
Ø Pre-hearing work
Ø Preparing your case
Ø Presenting your case
Ø Obtaining information from the right people
Ø Which documents are public access documents?
Ø Which are protected as exempt items?
Ø When might a hearing be in private?
Ø Was it a fair hearing?
Ø Implications of the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act

We are happy to deliver this event in-house to local authorities or groups of local authorities.

A separate event is also available for Chairs.

]