Councillor Development and Training

Client

Department of Planning and Community Development

Description

Councillor Development and Training. The purpose of this project was to provide a means to improve the quality of, and access to local councillor training and development, and to explore opportunities for access to accredited training. The project looked at the training and development programs that are currently on offer to Victorian local councillors, the gaps in training and the barriers to accessing skill development. It also reviewed options for councillors accessing accredited training, so that skills developed through experience and participation in professional development programs can be recognised and contribute to recognised qualifications.

 

Methodology

The methodology included interviews with key representatives from local government peak bodies, training providers for local government in other states, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and universities. It also included a review of literature from Australia and overseas. Earlier research such as the Councillor Census, the report on Current Practices in Councillor Training and the Councillor Competency Framework provided data and a documented framework of required skills to underpin this project.

Deliverables

The project report provided an analysis of the data and summary of key themes and salient issues. It included some suggested initiatives to improve and formally recognise the skills of local councillors in Victoria including developing a self-assessment resource, designing and delivering an induction program, addressing content gaps in training offerings, mentoring and coaching, aligning training with national competency standards, offering and explaining Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), development of partnerships with Registered Training Organisations and developing a councillor learning and development policy.