Certificate for Elected Councillors
The Certificate for Elected Councillors has been developed by the University of Sunderland, in association with the 
National Association of Councillors (NAC). It is open to all elected councillors serving on principal councils across the UK. It is a one-year course which comprises three taught weekend sessions, bringing together councillors from across the UK. Successful completion of the programme will lead to the University award of Certificate. It was validated in November 2006, officially launched at Gateshead Civic Centre by Rt Hon Tony Blair MP in February 2007 and welcomed its first cohort of 20 councillor students in September 2007.
Elected councillors are subject to ever increasing scrutiny from the public and media. Although many local authorities provide detailed induction programmes and training in specific council functions, this does not normally include an overall background to local government, its history, key legislation and the inter-relationships between different local authorities and outside partners. Furthermore, most councillors receive only limited opportunities to reflect on the many and various roles a councillor is expected to perform, or share experiences of similar issues with colleagues from elsewhere in the country. The Certificate aims to remedy these gaps. It consists of three assessed modules which are covered in taught weekend sessions, although those taking the course are also expected to complete a small amount of work towards the Certificate throughout the year. The first taught module, 'Essential Local Government', covers the background, history and development of local government in the UK. A second module, 'Current Issues for Elected Councillors', deals with key current issues and ensures the course reflects current events and changes to legislation. The third module, 'The Self-Reflective Councillor' is introduced during the first weekend session and completed by means of an individual diary, where councillors reflect on their own day-by-day experiences.
What will be studied?
'Essential Local Government': a module which offers a comprehensive background to local government in the United Kingdom, including history, contexts, legal and other controls on councils. The key aim is that councillors develop an enhanced understanding of the national and local framework in which local authorities operate. This includes the 2000 Local Government Act and current Local Government Bill as well as differences in functions and responsibilities between different types of local authority. One of these issues forms the basis of a group presentation; there is one other piece of assessed work due for completion towards the end of the year.
'Current Issues for Elected Councillors': this module examines a series of key issues of contemporary relevance to elected councillors, with the aim of studying and discussing issues with colleagues from a range of other local authorities. Examples include partnership working, dealing with the media, the growing importance of e-delivery and the problem of falling electoral turnout. Each issue is introduced in a short lecture, followed by a workshop discussion in small groups. Participants are required to complete a written assignment on one issue of their choice, to be assessed at the end of the module, and also to review a selection of council websites part of the way through the course. 'The Self-Reflective Councillor': in the third module, participants are required to reflect on their experiences as an elected councillor within their own local authority. The first weekend session provides an introduction to and discussion of the different roles of a councillor, including local representative roles, policy making roles, executive and scrutiny roles and political roles. Individuals then complete a diary through the year where key events and thoughts can be recorded. Subsequent taught sessions include opportunities for an update on progress both within the group and also on an individual basis with the course tutor. As well as the completed diary, participants are required to reflect on the year in a second piece of work at the culmination of the course.Teaching & Assessment
The Certificate is a one-year programme, with three taught weekend sessions spread out to reflect the council year. Each weekend session comprises a mix of lectures, visiting speakers and workshops on the three modules, with ample opportunities for councillors to share their own experiences. Outside of taught sessions, access to the University intranet (SunSpace / WebCT Vista) provides access to course materials and enables participants to discuss issues and experiences throughout the whole year. Participants are also eligible to use other University facilities such as the Library. Completion of the three modules enables Councillors to be eligible for the award of University Certificate.
How to Apply
For further information, including course fees, please contact:
University of Sunderland
School of Arts, Design, Media & Culture
Priestman Building
Green Terrace
Sunderland SR1 3PZ
Email: simon.henig@sunderland.ac.uk
Tel: (0191) 515 2226
