Improvement Service

The Improvement Service is currently working in partnership with SOLACE Enterprises to develop both a comprehensive induction guide and a series of stand alone training packs on key topics to be delivered by local councils.

The induction pack will provide generic information on a comprehensive range of topics relevant to all newly elected councillors. The induction pack will be divided into key sections starting with an introductory section for new councillors to read in their first few days of office. The pack will then move on to more detailed sections which can be used for both induction purposes and as on-going reference materials.

• Roles and responsibilities of a councillor - at ward level and at council level
• Local governance e.g. finance
• Policy issues e.g. planning
• Governance in Scotland e.g. Scottish Parliament
• Personal development e.g. skills development

A full list of topics to be covered is available. The induction pack will be made available electronically to all councils and, in addition, paper copies will be available for newly elected councillors in May 2007. 

The Improvement Service is also developing five training packs which will be made available to all Scottish councils. The topics to be covered in these packs are still to be finalised as part of an ongoing consultation process. The packs will contain all the information needed to run the sessions at the local level i.e. session aims, presentations, practical exercises, handouts, tutor's notes, frequently asked questions. There will also be the option to attend a 'train the trainers' session for council employees.

To ensure that these materials are relevant, accurate and accessible we are putting together a group of councillors, council officers and others working in specific areas of local government to comment on the draft materials. The first set of draft materials will be available from the end of October and the final versions will be completed by the end of 2006.