THE latest Elected Member Masterclass has been declared a massive success after a dozen councillors from around Scotland attended a session on 'Improving Personal Media Management Skills'.
Arranged by the Improvement Service, in partnership with COSLA, elected members are currently enjoying the second programme of Masterclass events, which explore key issues and challenges within local government.
Facilitated by Alan Douglas and Lindsey Ingram of 'The Broadcasting Business', the media Masterclass was held at the West Lothian Council headquarters and proved a challenging, stimulating day for those in attendance.
After taking an in-depth look at the Improvement Service notebook on 'Dealing with the Media', the elected members engaged in open discussion on various subjects before being taken through a series of mock newspaper and radio interviews.
The vastly-experienced facilitators asked each councillor for real, live issues from their own ward and based the intense interviews on these topics.
Afterwards, each elected member was given feedback on their performance and given crucial tips on how to communicate with their electorate more effectively.
Councillor Tony Buchanan, from East Renfrewshire Council, attended the media Masterclass and revealed it fully lived up to his high expectations.
"It was very interesting," he said. "The hints and tips were the most important part. You might have been given some media advice before, but actually seeing it all in operation is beneficial and you learn more.
"I've been to several Improvement Service Masterclasses and found them all informative. When I heard about the Masterclass programme, I was keen to get involved and it's been very useful
"All the classes I have attended have been beneficial. The tutors are good, but it's also helpful to share experiences with other councillors. You get the best of both worlds.
"The Masterclass format works well. We are always looking at ways to improve the services we deliver and the lives of our constituents, and these classes help us.
"If a colleague asked my opinion on the Masterclass programme, I would encourage them to attend. If they have a subject they want to learn more about, these events definitely help."
For more information on the Improvement Service Masterclass programme, see the programme.
