Working with authorities and sub regions


We recognise that all councils have individual needs and ambitions and we support authorities by delivering tailored development interventions. All our programmes deepen knowledge, hone skills and boost confidence.


What we’ve done:


• delivered 160 programmes in organisations, which equates to 1,920 attendees, e.g. developing a coaching culture, political awareness, attendance management and job evaluation


• designed a sub regional Total Place conference on behalf of Merseyside Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (MIEP) which around 60 officers attended


• delivered e–learning events for two sub regions


• networking – we administer and support the learning and development and skills networks which are regularly attended by around 30 officers on a quarterly basis.


What next:


• refreshed and updated regional programme with new courses supporting a shift from audit to enterprise cultures


• development of networks via the innovative North West Connex Platform Supporting councillors


At a time when it would be easy to view learning and development as a luxury, authorities in the North West recognise that the need for councillors to be skilled and well informed is greater than ever. We have continued to support individual councillors and councils provide high quality learning opportunities.


As a new councillor of just 12 months I have felt the experience to be quite daunting at times, particularly when working alongside both established councillors and officers with their in depth knowledge and experience. I was delighted then when given the opportunity to take part in this course, which I hoped would provide me with additional skills and knowledge of the role of the councillor in the community….I would recommend anyone, particularly new councillors, to jump at the opportunity of participating in this training.


Councillor Peter Boland Knowsley MBC (attended the Working in Neighbourhoods Programme)


What we’ve done:


• thirteen funded events for co uncillors on key issues e.g. CSR, Rebalancing Local Economies, Climate Change, Scrutiny Solutions


• thirty-nine programmes delivered for councillors across the region e.g. induction, chairing skills, appeals training, effective surgeries


• two Working in Neighbours Level 2 Certificate programmes ran - 20 councillors achieving the qualification


• BTEC Advanced Level 2 Award for Member Champions – 17 Councillors awarded the qualification


• Action Learning Facilitators’ Programme – nine members attended


• The Innovation Fund was awarded to eight individual projects from councillors across the North West.


• Children and Adult Services Reception held


• sixteen authorities awarded the North West Member Development Charter at Level 1, Level 1 Review and Level 2.


• Supported Lead Members’ Networks for Children’s and Adults Services


What next:


• development of a suite of programmes and qualifications to support members in their roles to improve the health of their communities


• development of a Level 3 Working in Neighbourhoods Programme • a series of topical Policy Updates


Geoff Little


Deputy Chief Executive (Performance), Manchester City Council


The senior coaching course combined excellent academic research into individual and organisational change and the practical application of coaching to promote change at an individual and organisational level. The course was valued by all participants and the skills gained were directly applicable to the challenges faced by Local Government.


Our year at a glance 13


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