Overview
WALGA Training is an approved Training Provider by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) endorsed for the development, delivery and management of the Council Member Essentials (CME) program for Elected Members.
As the peak body for Local Government in WA, and through our daily work across WA, we understand the challenges and barriers some members may face in accessing the Council Member Essentials Training Program.
We are committed to support all members and deliver educational programs to help them succeed in their roles.
WALGA Training is proud to offer flexible delivery solutions to suit individual training needs servicing metropolitan, regional and remote locations, supporting our members to develop and maintain their professional capabilities and to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 1995.
Each course module can be booked separately - see details and dates below.
- Module 1 - Understanding Local Government
- Module 2 - Conflicts of Interest
- Module 3 - Serving on Council
- Module 4 - Meeting Procedures
- Module 5 - Understanding Financial Reports and Budgets
Click here to learn more about the CME eLearning courses.
Target Audience
- Training is targeted at newly Elected Members, returning Elected Members and/or Elected Members who wish to run for election and are yet to complete the required training.
- All newly or re-elected members are required to complete the five (5) Council Member Essentials courses within 12 months of being elected.
CME Modules Details
- The Council Member Essentials (CME) training is delivered in five individual course modules.
- Each module focuses on a different topic, building the knowledge and skills required of Councillors in a step-by-step approach, developing a deeper understanding over time, filled with practical tips and tools for Councillors to perform their role and responsibility as defined in the Local Government Act 1995.
- Each course module can be booked separately see details and dates below.
Understanding Local Government
Overview
- In this important foundation course, we will assist you in your transition from private citizen to Councillor.
- You will gain valuable information and a greater understanding of your role and responsibilities, and Local Government protocols and procedures to help you fulfil your duties competently.
- Importantly, you will gain an overview of how the Local Government Act 1995 frames the systems and processes involved in the institution of Local Government.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify how Local Government fits into the structure of Government in Australia;
- Understand the role of Elected Members;
- Distinguish between the strategic role of the Council and the day to day role of the Administration;
- Understand the legislative environment of Local Governments; and
- Raise awareness on how to participate confidently in Council and committee meetings.
Duration and Fees
- Half day - 9:00am - 12:30pm
- $240.00 (plus GST) - Face to Face & Virtual classroom
- $220.00 (plus GST) - eLearning
Conflicts of Interest
Overview
- As an elected community representative and leader, Elected Members are required to make objective, unbiased decisions on matters affecting the whole community. Elected Members have a statutory obligation to declare any actual or perceived interests that may influence those decisions.
- This course outlines financial, indirect financial, proximity and impartiality interests; disclosure of interests at meetings; the importance of closely associated persons; and the link between gifts and conflicts of interest.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the types of interest that exist;
- Understand how an Elected Member can have an interest in a Council or committee matter;
- Evaluate the implications of different types of interest;
- Identify the critical people when considering interests; and
- Confidently locate helpful information.
Duration & Fees
- One day - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
- $240.00 (plus GST) - Face to Face & Virtual classroom
- $220.00 (plus GST) - eLearning
Serving on Council
Overview
- This comprehensive 2 day course is specifically developed to address the unique skills and knowledge required by Elected Members and will develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively serve on Council.
- Building on the information from the first few modules, this course delves deeper into what is involved in serving your community in a Local Government environment and performing as a competent and capable team member on Council.
- It recognises both internal and external influences on Elected Members, how to develop and maintain strategic relationships, the necessity to perform your role in a due diligence framework and how to contribute effectively to high level strategic decision making.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply legislation and regulations within which Councils must operate;
- Identify the role of Elected Members and senior management in leading and supporting their communities;
- Recognise expectations on Councillors to act in a ‘Board-like’ manner as the governing body;
- Apply processes involved in contributing successfully to Council and committee meetings; and
- Implement ethical decision making.
Duration and Fees
- Two days - 9:00am - 4:30pm
- $990.00 (plus GST) - Face-to-face & Virtual classroom
- $450.00 (plus GST) - eLearning
Meeting Procedures
Overview
- Participating effectively in meetings is a critical aspect of being an Elected Member. Meetings are the fundamental component of your role and your opportunity to deliver outcomes for your community.
- You will learn to prepare for meetings by analysing and interpreting information and collaborating with other Elected Members, enabling you to make informed strategic decisions during the meeting.
- This course will provide you with the tools to participate effectively in meetings by developing an understanding of meeting procedures and high-level debating techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically read agendas and evaluate Local Government officer reports;
- Understand and be able to correctly use procedural motions and effectively raise ‘points of order’;
- Demonstrate skills as a chair within legal and ethical requirements;
- Understand the importance of checking and confirming the minutes;
- Use knowledge of meeting procedures to move, second or foreshadow motions, use correct amendment rules where appropriate and take the right of reply; and
- Participate confidently in Council and committee meetings.
Duration and Fees
- One day - 9:00am - 4:30pm
- $495.00 (plus GST) - Face-to-face & Virtual classroom
- $350.00 (plus GST) - eLearning
Understanding Financial Reports and Budgets
Overview
- Elected Members encounter ongoing pressure to be fully across their Council’s financial decisions and responsibilities.
- Often Elected Members will be urged to reduce rates, while keeping services to a high level and at the same time keep spending down!
- This course provides a practical understanding on how to review and interpret financial reports and budgets, as well as monitor revenue and expenditure. You will gain an understanding and discuss the benefits of financial forecasting; and realise the impact that key decision making has on the organisation’s financial health.
- Course material will outline the linkage between Strategic Planning, Asset Management Planning and Long Term Financial Planning.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic accounting principles and concepts;
- Analyse the roles and responsibilities of Council, Councillors, the CEO and Audit Committee;
- Apply strategic financial management; and
- Understand the imposition of rates, annual budgets and financial management reporting.
Duration and Fees
- One day - 9:00am - 4:30pm
- $495.00 (plus GST) - Face-to-face & Virtual classroom
- $350.00 (plus GST) - eLearning
To gain the most value from the modules it is recommended that the training is undertaken in the following logical sequence:
Assessment Plan
Each participant is required to complete a quiz/assessment at the end of each module. Depending on the delivery methodology and the learner preference or need, assessments are completed on WALGA's eLearning hub (Moodle) or are paper based. When choosing In-person training, assessments are completed at the end of the day. eLearners will complete their assessment at the end of the module.
Please note: WALGA must report individual training and assessment activities to the State Government. After completing each module and successfully undertaking the assessment, a Certificate of Achievement will be issued.
