A core work programme within the IS is to support the improved governance and political leadership of Scottish local authorities. As part of this, we are rolling out a CPD Framework for elected members and supporting councils to collaborate and share in the ongoing development of a range of blended learning and development opportunities for elected members.
We are looking for opportunities to develop a series of case studies to bring the skills and behaviours in the CPD Framework for elected members to life. These will provide short stories of real issues and challenges experienced by elected members, how they were dealt with, lessons learnt and what skills are required in such situations.
We will compile the case studies either by conducting a short telephone interview or a face-to-face meeting with the elected member, depending on what is easiest and most convenient for them. It is estimated that the interviews/meetings will take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the subject being discussed. The case studies will feature on the national elected member portal which will be launched in the autumn.
The areas we would like to cover in our case studies are:
Promoting Change and Improvement
For example, sharing experiences of:
- being involved in a large-scale change project within the council, focusing on any issues and resistance encountered from key stakeholders and how these were overcome
- the elected member role in the effective scrutiny of council services
Political Understanding
For example, sharing experiences of:
- the elected member role in promoting community cohesion and holding communities together in the face of adversity
- the challenges involved in implementing the council’s equalities duties
- the elected member role in generating community activism, encouraging local people to be good citizens and encouraging voter turn out at elections
- how the elected member can engage young people in democracy
Working Collaboratively
For example, sharing experiences of:
- the elected member role on a board (e.g. joint Police or Fire Board, NHS Board, board of a charitable organisation etc) and the issues and challenges faced as a board member
- the elected member role in a Community Planning Partnership and the challenges of partnership working
Effective Communicator
For example, sharing experiences of:
- dealing with the media and the challenges of being under scrutiny by local press
Effective Decision Maker
For example, sharing experiences of:
- the challenges involved in changing from a ‘community activist’ whereby the focus is largely on a single issue to the role of being a decision maker across a range of complex issues as part of the council
- dealing with a controversial planning issue
Effective Leader
For example, sharing experiences of:
- the challenges involved in developing a political vision and strategy and holding to this through effective delivery
These are just some examples of the types of areas we are looking to develop case studies in, and we recognise that elected members will have other suggestions for case study topics.
If you would be interested in working with us to produce a case study in one of the areas outlined above, or in another area of your work, please contact Sarah Gadsden.
