Councillor post-election induction schedule 2022

The Act prescribes the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councillors and places responsibility on each to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills relevant to perform the roles.

To assist, the Local Government Regulation requires general managers to ensure an induction and ongoing development opportunities are provided.

There is a reciprocal obligation on mayors and councillors to attend. Councils are required to report annually on the participation of elected members.

Candidates should consider availability for the following in preparation of being elected:

Monday 10 January 2022

Induction 8.30 - 9am

Meet the executive team and receive devices

Code of Conduct 9am - 12.30pm

  • Overview of the Code of Conduct
  • Detailed discussion on each part of the Code
  • Personal responsibility under the Code
  • Consequences for not complying with the Code
  • Practical application of the Code using real life scenarios

Presenter: Emma Broomfield

Lunch 12.30 - 1.30pm

Lunch is provided

Code of Meeting Practice 1.30 - 4.45pm

  • The purpose of council meetings
  • Prescribed meeting rules and Council's Code of Meeting practice
  • The role of the chair
  • How to use closed meetings appropriately
  • What and orderly, effective and efficient council meeting looks like and how it is conducted
  • How councillors should prepare for a council meeting, including pre-meeting briefings
  • The role of business papers and meeting minutes, and how to understand and interpret them
  • The role of the committees, the committee structure adopted by the council and the functions of each of Council's committees
  • Practical applications of the Code to meetings, based on real-life scenarios

Presenter: Emma Broomfield

Tuesday 11 January 2022

Councillor workshop with Executive 9am - 1pm

  • Monthly meeting options
  • Monthly workshop schedule
  • Preparation for taking the Oath of Office and electing a mayor
  • Advisory and s355 Committees
  • Organisational structure
  • Managing correspondence
  • Policy review process

Lunch 1pm - 2pm

Lunch is provided

Extraordinary meeting 2pm

Take the Oath, elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, nominate committees if agreed and set meeting schedule. Adopt Code of Meet Practice and Code of Conduct.

Official photos will be taken on this day.

Friday 14 January 2022

Elected life 9.30am - 4pm

This workshop will help recently elected and re-elected councillors prepare themselves for the role and responsibilities of elected office. In particular, it will provide them with the knowledge and skills to be able to carry out their role, meet their ethical responsibilities, maintain relationships with key stakeholders and participate effectively as a councillor in council meetings. 

The facilitator will use engaging powerpoint presentations and discussion sessions with participants to deliver content and achieve course objectives using behavioural examples.

Presenter: Jenny Dowell

Course objectives

On completion of the training, participants will be able to have an:

  • Understanding of the council's role
  • Understanding of Council structure
  • Know the range of services provided by council
  • Understand the three tiers of government
  • Understanding of the role and responsibilities as a councillor
  • Understand how this role contrasts with those of other key stakeholders
  • Knowledge of the key features and requirements of council meetings
  • Understand the amendments to the Local Government Act 1993
  • Understanding of the Code of Conduct & Conflicts of Interest

Key Content

Topics of the workshop will include:

  • Why did I become a councillor?
  • Council Charter and structure
  • Providing community services
  • Councillor role and other roles
  • Oversee Organisational Performance
  • Community leadership
  • Governance versus management
Thursday 20 January 2022

Effective & ethical use of social media 9am - 12pm

  • Understanding social media including trends and statistics relevant to local government
  • How to effectively use social media from a councillor's perspective
  • How to engage ethically having regard to the Code of Conduct and your organisation's social media policy
  • Three golden rules for social media use
  • How to prevent the pitfalls of social media such as defamation, biased decision making and reputational damage
  • How to deal with the downsides such as conflict and personal attacks
  • Practical application of Council decision making in the planning system

    Presenter: Emma Broomfield
Thursday 27 January 2022

Introduction to Clarence Valley Council

An opportunity to meet the management team and get an introduction to the services and key strategic issues the council currently faces.

CVC Service introduction presentation by managers 9am - 12pm

Functions and strategic priorities of each area of Council.

Lunch 12pm - 1pm

Lunch is provided

CVC Service introduction presentation by managers (cont.) 1pm - 3pm

Functions and strategic priorities of each area of Council

Tuesday 1 February 2022

Financial issues in Local Government 9am - 4pm

Whether it be reading council's budget, or contributing or questioning the Management Plan, Councillors are required to make many decisions about financial issues in local government. 

This module will assist senior managers and councillors to make informed decisions about financial issues.

Presenter: Denis Banicevic

Thursday 3 February 2022

Introduction to planning 9am - 4pm

  • Understanding legislative planning and environmental responsibilities of Council including an overview of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and other planning legislation
  • Understanding the strategic planning and development assessment role of council
  • Explanation of key planning terms
  • Overview of local community engagement in the plan making process
  • Understanding the councillor's role in planning matters and how to act ethically when making planning decisions
  • Practical application of Council decision making in the planning system

Presenter: TBC

More information

Key documents

After these workshops, the following key documents will be sent via email:

  • Code of Meeting Practice
  • Community Participation Plan
  • Councillor Expenses and Provision of Facilities for Councillors Policy
  • Procedure for Disclosure of Interests Returns
  • Public Libraries Booklet
  • Social Media Policy