2016/17 councillor development training guide€¦ · mav councillor development training guide...

2016/17 COUNCILLOR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING GUIDEwww.mav.asn.au/training

MAV COUNCILLOR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING GUIDE 2016-2017 3

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................4

ABOUT THE MAV .....................................................................................................4

TRAINING

MAV COUNCILLOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY ......................................5

TRAINING CALENDAR (DECEMBER 2016 TO JUNE 2017) ..............................................6

UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT (eLEARNING) ...............................................7

UNDERSTANDING THE COUNCILLOR CODE OF CONDUCT (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) ......8

PERFORMING IN THE ROLE OF A COUNCILLOR ..........................................................9

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COUNCILLOR .....................................................10

EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING ...................................... 11

EFFECTIVE MEETINGS AND MEETING PROCEDURES ...................................................12

UNDERSTANDING COUNCIL FINANCES ..................................................................13

LAND USE PLANNING/BUILDING ............................................................................14

PUBLIC SPEAKING ..................................................................................................15

UNDERSTANDING LOBBYING .................................................................................16

DIPLOMA OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ELECTED MEMBERS)........................................... 17

INDUSTRY FACILITATED TRAINING

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF MANAGEMENT SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY ............................18

THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF COMPANY DIRECTORS - COMPANY DIRECTORS COURSE ..............................................................................19

THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF COMPANY DIRECTORS - GOVERNANCE ESSENTIALS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT .............................................20

COUNCIL IN-HOUSE SESSIONS LOCAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: COUNCIL IN-HOUSE TRAINING ...........................21

REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................22

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INTRODUCTION One of the challenges that all councillors face is finding time for learning and development while managing a large workload. The MAV offers a range of professional development opportunities to assist councillors in their roles and provide skills and shared experiences that enhance a councillor’s learning and understanding.

MAV Training’s councillor development program has been designed to provide the essential knowledge and skills to support councillors to perform their role as defined in the Local Government Act 1989.

With a range of flexible courses to choose from, including eLearning, non-accredited and accredited training, and working with established partners including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and Swinburne University, there are a variety of ways to maintain and develop your professional capabilities.

ABOUT THE MAVThe MAV is the legislated peak body for local government in Victoria. Formed in 1879, we have a long and proud tradition of supporting councils and councillors.

Our role is to: • advocate local government interests • build the capacity of Victorian

councils• facilitate effective networks• initiate policy development and

advice• support councillors• promote the role of local government.

Our services include:• specialist advice and information• councillor development opportunities• insurance protection including risk,

legal and claims advice• CEO performance appraisal and

recruitment advice• governance support• group procurementWith a team of specialist staff we can answer most of your questions. When we don’t have the answers, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can help you.

For any enquiries please contact us:Address: Level 12, 60 Collins St, Melbourne 3000 Phone: 03 9667 5555 Email: [email protected] Fax: 03 9667 5550

5MAV COUNCILLOR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING GUIDE 2016-2017

MAV COUNCILLOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

Diploma of Local Government ADVANCED

INTERMEDIATE

ESSENTIALS

Understanding Local Government

Performing in the Role of Councillor

The Councillor Code of Conduct

Roles and Responsibilities of a

Councillor

Effective Meetings

and Meeting Procedures

Understanding Lobbying

Effective Decision

Making and Strategic Planning

Understanding Council Finances

Public speaking

Land Use Planning

Essentials: A series of fundamental workshops designed to assist and support councillors in their core roles, and responsibilities

Intermediate: The second level of councillor training focuses on further skill development, and enhancing the knowledge base and abilities in the performance of a the role of a councillor

Advanced: The Diploma of Local Government is the third level of training, encompassing the essentials and intermediate learning outcomes. The Diploma of Local Government offers councillors the opportunity to acquire qualifications in a nationally accredited course.

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Course Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Understanding Local Government eLearning

The Councillor Code of Conduct Workshop sessions to be confirmed

Performing in the Role of a Councillor

2,9, 20

Roles and Responsibilities of a Councillor

16, 21 4

Effective Decision Making and Strategic Planning

11, 25,

Effective Meetings and Meeting Procedures 26, 2, 23

Understanding Council Finances 9 10,

17

Understanding Lobbying 31 5

Public speaking 17 31

Land Use Planning/Building 8 9 3

TRAINING CALENDAR (DECEMBER 2016 TO JUNE 2017)


UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT (eLEARNING)

Program OverviewUnderstanding local government is a short eLearning session developed to assist councillors to understand the workings of local government, its role, responsibilities and history. The program examines local government’s place within our federal systems and its legislative relationship with the State Government.

The program examines how councils are structured; funded and governed. The session explores the role of the administration and issues of governance, community engagement and the role of the council and councillors. The program looks at emerging issues and future challenges.

Who Should AttendNewly elected and returning councillors and council staff who are newly employed within the sector or those would like to enhance their knowledge and understanding of local government.

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should be able to:

• Know how local government fits into the structure of government in Australia

• Distinguish between the strategic role of the council and the day to day role of the Administration

• Understand the funding model and legislative environment of local governments.

DurationSelf-directed learning method (approximately 30 minutes)

Dates and VenuesUnderstanding local government is an eLearning module available at www.mav.asn.au.

Price – N/A

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UNDERSTANDING THE COUNCILLOR CODE OF CONDUCT (UNDER DEVELOPMENT)

Program OverviewUnderstanding the councillor code of conduct is a half day workshop developed to provide councillors with an understanding of and basic knowledge of the principles, practices and compliance requirements of the code of conduct and how it relates to the Oath of Office and procedures and processes.

The program also explores the existing code of conduct and future developments of the code of conduct.

Workshop Outline:• Roles & functions of elected members

as prescribed in the Local Government Act 1989

• Councillor Code of Conduct principles

• Councils compliance with the Code of Conduct

• Oath of Office• Code of Conduct procedures

& processes• Review of the existing Code of

Conduct and the development of the revised Code of Conduct

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have:• Awareness and understanding of the

councillor Code of Conduct, from principles to practice

• Knowledge of the mechanics of the code of conduct, the compliance levels and legislative requirements and how this is related to the Oath of Office and the expectations of councillors

DurationFour (4) hour workshop

Dates and LocationsDates and locations to be confirmed in early 2017

Price$200 (excl. GST) or 220 councillor credit points


PERFORMING IN THE ROLE OF A COUNCILLOR

Program OverviewPerforming the role of a councillor is a one day workshop, and is a core unit from the national accredited Diploma of Local Government (elected members). This unit covers the competencies required to undertake the functions of an elected member in local government. Also exploring teamwork and working effectively with council team members, the role in community and expectations of the role of elected members as prescribed as per the Local Government Act 1989.

Workshop Outline:• Identify the role and working

environment of elected members

• Provide support to council as an elected member

• Function effectively as an elected member

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should be able to:• Know how local government fits

into the structure of government in Australia;

• Distinguish between the strategic role of the council and the day to day role of the Administration; and

• Understand the funding model and legislative environment of local governments.

DurationOne day workshop

Dates and Locations2 February Horsham Rural City

Council

9 February MAV

20 February Baw Baw Shire Council


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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COUNCILLOR

Program OverviewUndertake roles and responsibilities is a one day workshop, and is a core unit from the national accredited Diploma of Local Government (elected members). This unit explores the roles and responsibilities and their difference to those of council employees. Also addressing required protocols, limitations, procedures and strategies that meet council and legislative requirements

Workshop Outline:• Demonstrate awareness of roles and

responsibilities in the performance of council activities

• Conduct productive meetings in line with compliance requirements

• Uphold council’s legislative responsibilities

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have an understanding of:• Awareness and understanding of roles

and responsibilities of councillors to council officers/staff

• Understanding of council protocols, policy and procedures, as it pertains to relationship management according to roles and responsibilities

• Meeting procedures, including decision making processes

• Strategies to avoid conflicts of interest• Public communication to

accommodate language and cultural differences

• External influences• Issues for potential conflict of interest• Procedures to support and action

council decisions through delegation to councils administrative and specialist employees


Dates and Venues16 March MAV

21 March Swan Hill Rural City Council

4 May City of Melton (TBC)



EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING

Program OverviewEffective decision making and strategic planning is a one day workshop, and is a core unit from the national accredited Diploma of Local Government (elected members).The unit examines identifying issues, and issues management, exploring risk management strategies, and ethical decision making. The units also look at community expectations and the development of methods to ensuring strategic planning is fulfilling community expectations and the Council Plan.

Workshop Outline:• Identify problems or issues needing

response

• Develop solutions to problems

• Evaluate solutions

• Implement decisions

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have an understanding of:• Problems requiring decisions to be

made by council as categorised and prioritised

• Problems are identified by nature, possible causes and influencing circumstances


Dates and Venues11 May Warrnambool City

Council

25 May MAV


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EFFECTIVE MEETINGS AND MEETING PROCEDURES

Program OverviewEffective meeting and meeting procedures is a one day workshop, and is a core unit from the national accredited Diploma of Local Government (elected members). This unit focuses on council meeting procedures and legislative requirements. The unit examines meeting logistics, procedures and protocols.

Workshop Outline: • Plan the meeting• Conduct the meeting• Maintain confidentiality• Follow up decisions and resolutions

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have an understanding of:• Awareness, understanding and

knowledge of meeting procedures, protocols and rules/regulations

• Demonstrated understanding of meeting; such as, agenda, minutes, and the recording procedures of the meeting

• Knowledge of meeting functions in reference to confidentiality, how to address discussions, debates, and potential conflicts


Dates and Venues26 May MAV

2 June Latrobe City Council

23 June Pyrenees Shire Council



UNDERSTANDING COUNCIL FINANCES

Program OverviewUnderstanding council finances is ideal for new councillors wishing to understand their responsibilities in regard to local government finances and for those returning councillors wanting to refresh existing knowledge including recent changes to legislative arrangements.

As a councillor in local government, navigating through and understanding the complex financial documents and reports is a challenging task, in addition to knowing the right questions to ask of officers when council is faced with critical financial decisions.

Workshop Outline:• Understanding of the planning and

reporting framework • Ability to read and interpret financial

reports• Ability to identify key indicators of

financial performance• Improved financial literacy

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have an understanding of:• Understanding of the role of council

financial management as prescribed in the Local Government Act 1989

• Knowledge of financial planning and reporting framework

• The procedures and processes for annual budget development, management and monitoring

• Understanding and awareness of the rating strategy and rate capping


Dates and Venues9 December MAV

10 February City of Greater Bendigo

17 February MAV


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LAND USE PLANNING/BUILDING

Program OverviewThis unit is designed to equip councillors with an understanding of the practice and procedure involved in planning and building matters which are relevant to the exercise of functions by councils. Specifically, this program will assist councillors to understand their role in the planning and building approvals process.

Workshop Outline:• Overview of the planning system,

planning schemes and the Victorian planning provisions, structure and purpose

• Planning Scheme Amendments, the process, the role for the minister and Planning Panels Victoria

• Planning permits, the process, conditions, delegation, complaint management, compliance, infringements and the role of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should have:• Understanding of the planning system,

procedures and processes of planning schemes and related legislation, planning panels and reporting frameworks

• Overall knowledge of planning permits, the processes, conditions, delegation, complaint management, compliance, infringements and the role of the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)


Dates and Venues8 December MAV

9 February Mt Alexander Shire Council

3 March Shire of Cardinia



PUBLIC SPEAKING

Program OverviewThis program is designed to help give participants the skills and knowledge to more effectively present and speak publicly.

Workshop Outline:• Presentation skill development• Public speaking skill development• Understanding the audience and

environment• Dealing with question and answer

time• Managing self

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should be able to:• Research and develop presentations• Management of self – appearance,

body image and nerves• Handling questions and presenter

critique


Dates and Locations17 February Southern Grampians

Shire Council

31 March MAV


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UNDERSTANDING LOBBYING

Program OverviewThis program is designed to assist councillors and council officers in how to deal with state and federal governments, specifically to provide training in advocacy and lobbying skills to assist in managing productive relationships with state and federal governments.

Workshop Outline:The workshop has been developed for elected members and councils.

The program is divided into two (2) sessions (workshops):

1. Lobbying for councils

2. How to manage pressure groups

Learning OutcomeAs a result of completing this program, participants should be able to:• Develop strategies to deal with state

and federal governments relationships and lobby for the sector objectives and or community

• Develop strategies to deal with pressure groups lobbying and community campaigns aimed at council


Dates and Locations31 March Greater Shepparton City

Council (TBC)

5 May MAV



Program OverviewThe Diploma of Local Government (Elected Members) is a training package developed by the MAV to provide accredited training for elected members. The next intake of the Diploma of Local Government (Elected Members) is expected to launch in August 2017.

The Diploma of Local Government course offers industry-focused, skill-based modules and units, covering topics including councillor foundations, leadership and governance.

Who Should AttendThe Diploma of Local Government (Elected Members) is the highest level of qualification that a councillor can obtain through MAV. It has been designed specifically to meet the skills and knowledge requirements of a councillors role in Victorian Local Government.

DeliveryThe format and structure of the Diploma of Local Government is currently being finalised, the program aims to offer:• Programs delivered across regional

Victoria• Specific programs for individual

councils who wish to conduct their own in-house training

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for those experienced or returning councillors who are able to demonstrate their knowledge, competencies and skills towards the relevant learning outcomes

• The RPL process means that participants can choose to submit a portfolio of evidence rather than attend the workshops

• An assessment only option is also available for councillors with considerable experience.

Dates and LocationsAdditional details will be available in early 2017

PriceFor more information contact [email protected]

FOUNDATION SKILLS

Module 1

GOVERNANCE SKILLS

Module 3

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Module 2

BUSINESS SKILLS

Module 4

DIPLOMA OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ELECTED MEMBERS)

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Program OverviewSwinburne’s Graduate Diploma of Management program, developed in consultation with the Municipal Association of Victoria, offers the opportunity to acquire contemporary management knowledge and skills together with the ability to apply that knowledge in an innovative and creative way to the local government sector.

The Graduate Diploma of Management allows you to develop your management skills and leadership capabilities particularly in the areas of leadership practice, strategy and governance. This program has been designed to build leadership and management capacity to better prepare you to engage and deal with the opportunities and challenges presented in your council, your community and beyond.

The course covers:• Organisational Change Management

Leadership and Strategy• Strategic and Entrepreneurial

Marketing• Accounting Information and Financial

Decision Making• Foresight Leadership• Leadership for Innovation• Business Strategy• Governance and Corporate

Leadership• Organisational Change Management

Leadership and Strategy

Who Should AttendThis program is available to employees and councillors of MAV member councils.

Duration2.5 years part time – including graduate certificate

PriceFor more information contact [email protected]


GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF MANAGEMENT SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY


Program OverviewThe Company Directors Course is essential for the professional development of anyone who wants to further their directorship skills and knowledge. Participants include executive and non-executive directors, CEOs and senior executives who report to boards. It is recommended that participants have completed the Foundations of Directorship program or have equivalent professional experience before enrolling.

The AICD Company Directors’ Course is endorsed by the MAV, and offers councillors a course to enhance and broaden their skills and abilities in their role as a councillor.

Key learning objectives include:• the role of the board and

the practice of directorship• decision making• director duties and responsibilities• the board’s legal environment• risks and issues for boards• strategy• financial literacy for directors and

driving financial performance• achieving board effectiveness• putting learning into practice

Who Should AttendElected members and senior managers

Dates & Locations20, 21, 26, 27, 28 April 2017

AICD

367 Collins Street

Melbourne

Price$7,134 (excl. GST) including 12 month membership of the AICD


THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF COMPANY DIRECTORS - COMPANY DIRECTORS COURSE

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THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF COMPANY DIRECTORS - GOVERNANCE ESSENTIALS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Program OverviewGovernance essentials for local government is a council in-house program offered by the AICD. The program consists of four half-day courses: • The Role of the Council and

Councillor

• Leadership: The Councillor’s Role

• Risk: Issues for Councillors

• Introduction to Financial Statements for Councillors

Who Should AttendSuitable for councillors, mayors and executives who hold positions within local government organisations, and seek to learn more about:• The duties and responsibilities of

boards and directors

• Their governance responsibilities

Dates & LocationsCourse delivered in-house

PriceFor more information, contact [email protected]


COUNCIL IN-HOUSE SESSIONS

LOCAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: COUNCIL IN-HOUSE TRAINING

MAV recognise that our Members are located all over the State and we are constantly thinking of better ways that we can serve your training needs. In addition to offering regional training sessions that are scheduled throughout the year and hosted by MAV, councils and regional groups of councils have the opportunity to host these sessions in-house, incorporating some of their own procedures and guidance into the training content.In-house sessions can accommodate up to 20 people per session, making it a cost effective way to train your Councillors and council staff.

The following courses are all available to be delivered at your council (note additional training courses will be available from July 2017):• The Councillor Code of Conduct• Performing in the Role of a Councillor• Roles and Responsibilities of a

Councillor• Effective Decision Making and

Strategic Planning• Effective Meetings and Meeting

Procedures• Understanding Council Finances• Understanding Lobbying• Public Speaking• Land Use PlanningRunning the session in-house also enables a broad group of councillors and council staff to interact in a way they may never have before. If you are interested in running any of the available training courses as an in-house session please contact [email protected]

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REGISTRATION

To RegisterTo register for MAV training and events, visit www.mav.asn.au/events/Pages/upcoming-events.aspx (click on upcoming events and scroll to the relevant information)

About Councillor Credit PointsThe MAV offers members the opportunity to purchase a pool of discounted councillor training credits with their annual MAV subscription.

Councillor Credit Points (CCP) can be redeemed by councillors as payment for designated MAV workshops and events, including the entire MAV councillor training suite. The CCP program saves councils on training fees and simplifies the administration process in gaining approval to attend events and training.

For details regarding your councils Councillor Credit Points, contact your Councillor Support Officer.

Contact UsMAV Training [email protected] 03 9667 5555

Published by Municipal Association of VictoriaLevel 12, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

GPO Box 4326, Melbourne 3001Telephone: 03 9667 5555 Facsimile: 03 9667 5550

Email: [email protected] Website: www.mav.asn.au

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2016/17 councillor development training guide€¦ · mav councillor development training guide...

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