Legislative requirements Councillor professional development (Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 186)
Amendments made to the Local Government Act in 2016 saw the inclusion in the prescribed role of councillors under section 232 of the Act of a responsibility “to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of Councillor”. To support that inclusion, the Local Government (General) Regulation was subsequently amended to include a requirement for councils to provide induction training and ongoing professional development for mayors and councillors; and the Office of Local Government (OLG) issued guidelines under section 23A of the Act to assist councils develop and deliver induction training and ongoing professional development activities for their mayor and councillors in compliance with the Regulation. The guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government indicate that a council’s induction and professional development program should consist of the following three elements: Pre-election Candidate Sessions - (non-mandatory but encouraged) – to ensure prospective candidates are aware of
what will be expected of them if elected Induction Program – to equip mayors and councillors with the information they need to perform their role effectively
over the first few months of the term and to build a positive, collaborative relationship among councillors and with staff Professional Development Program – to allow development, in consultation with individual councillors and the mayor,
of programs which can be delivered over the council term to build the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to be an effective mayor or councillor. Hornsby Council’s response to these three elements during 2021/22 is below. Pre-election candidate sessions
Facilitator
Online session for prospective candidates held 30 June 2021 (Local Government election 4 December 2021) (COVID-19 restrictions in place)
Maire Sheehan (LGNSW)
A three-stage program of induction, grouped around three themes, was designed and undertaken by the General Manager and staff with the newly-elected Council. All Councillors attended. Induction Program
When
Stage 1
Getting to know you, us and each other
3 sessions – January 2022
Stage 2
Your role, rights and responsibilities
6 sessions – January/February 2022
Stage 3
Transitioning to the business of Council and ongoing development
5 sessions – March 2022
Professional Development The external service provider involved with the Councillor induction program has also been engaged to facilitate the Councillors Professional development program. The program will involve a briefing to all Councillors to provide an update on the process that will be implemented followed by individual interviews with Councillors and a personalised development plan to meet the requirements for each Councillor be developed. This process is due to commence in September 2022. Other training / skill development opportunities were undertaken as follows: Conference
Attendees
LGNSW Annual Conference
Clrs Ruddock, Tilbury, Waddell, Salitra, McClelland, McIntosh, Greenwood, Pillamarri, Ball
Training / skill development
Attendee
Domestic and Family Violence Online Course
Clr Marr
NSW Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Conference
Clr McClelland
Developing your Councillor Professional Development Plan
Clr McClelland
P136
HORNSBY SHIRE COUNCIL
