Randwick City Council’s new Councillor Online Training Program is a first for Local Government in Australia. An initiative of former Mayor, Cr Ted Seng, the program has been developed over the last year and uses online technology to help new and aspiring local Councillors to gain a thorough understanding of Local Government functions and processes, planning and other relevant legislation, and Council operations.
Councillors bring with them a variety of skills and experience when they are elected, and this diversity contributes to the strength of any Council. However, the business of Local Government is more complex than ever and Councillors have an onerous responsibility on their shoulders.
Over the last 20 years there has been extensive change in Local Government and planning legislation and also in community expectations. The decisions that Councillors make can have a significant and long term impact on the lives of residents – in their streets and in their homes.
Randwick’s Councillor Online Training Program uses best practice learning technology to deliver information conveniently, efficiently and effectively. It does not require any special hardware, software or client technical support. It is provided as a fully managed service that is supported remotely by Randwick’s business partner, Learning Seat.
The online delivery method is also an extremely cost effective training tool. The delivery method is flexible, non threatening and is designed to encourage learning. Prospective, new and existing Councillors can access the program at their own pace, from the comfort of their home or office at a time that suits them. This system eliminates many of the problems associated with previous face to face Councillor induction training sessions which included large volumes of paperwork, staff time and effort, difficulties coordinating Councillor’s availability, and obstacles to frank and open discussions.
The online training program clearly explains Council’s budget and financial management process including how to read financial statements, Council’s planning controls and Code of Conduct, and how to read plans.
It uses real life scenarios to illustrate the content and make it easily understood.
The Councillor Online Training Program can be easily adapted by other Local Government organisations across Australia which means Randwick City Council’s innovative learning strategy for potential and new Councillors has widespread applicability for the Local Government sector.
All new Councillors at Randwick will be obliged to successfully complete the training.
This mandatory training program will guarantee that the community is represented by Councillors who are more confident and competent in performing their duties as Councillors and in making informed decisions in Council meetings.
The training program will be advertised to all candidates prior to the election so that they are aware of the requirements and able to take advantage of this innovative way to increase their knowledge and understanding about Local Government.
