Council members training

Council Member Development Programmes

Councillors give up huge amounts of their time in service of their communities. Training therefore needs to be practical, engaging, relevant and genuinely worthwhile.

At Nelson Training, we specialise in highly participative development programmes for elected members using professional role-play actors, interactive exercises, realistic scenarios and expert facilitation.

Our light-hearted and supportive approach creates sessions that councillors actively enjoy attending while still delivering serious learning outcomes.

We have worked extensively with district, borough, city, county and unitary councils and have researched the role of the modern councillor thoroughly. Every programme can be tailored to reflect local political structures, governance arrangements and organisational priorities.

Programmes are available face-to-face or online and can be delivered as:

  • induction sessions
  • evening workshops
  • half-day or full-day programmes
  • member development series
  • cross-party workshops

NEW PROGRAMME

Working Constructively in a No Overall Control Council

3 Hours 

Many councils are now operating in coalition or minority administration environments for the first time in years.

This highly interactive programme helps councillors navigate the realities of No Overall Control governance constructively and effectively.

Using realistic scenarios and facilitated exercises, members explore the challenges of coalition working, scrutiny, negotiation and maintaining productive relationships under political pressure.

Topics include:

  • coalition and minority administration working
  • constructive political negotiation
  • managing disagreement professionally
  • scrutiny in fragmented councils
  • member-officer relationships
  • maintaining public confidence
  • chairing and participating in difficult meetings
  • avoiding governance paralysis
  • behaviours that support effective governance

Forum Theatre techniques and professional actors are used throughout.

NEW PROGRAMME

Public Sector Equality Duty and Equality Impact Assessments for Councillors

3 Hours

Equality Impact Assessments and the Public Sector Equality Duty are increasingly important parts of lawful and effective council decision-making.

This practical programme helps councillors understand their responsibilities when considering policies, budgets, service changes and strategic decisions.

The session focuses on the role members play in ensuring decisions are fair, evidence-based and properly informed.

Participants will explore:

  • the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty
  • the purpose of Equality Impact Assessments
  • the role of councillors in lawful decision-making
  • understanding disproportionate impact
  • asking effective equality questions
  • using evidence and demographic information
  • avoiding common EqIA weaknesses
  • balancing competing priorities fairly
  • equality considerations in budget and policy decisions

The programme uses realistic council case studies, interactive exercises and facilitated discussion throughout.

Chairing Meetings Effectively

3 Hours

Effective chairing is about far more than simply following procedure. A skilled chairperson creates focused, inclusive and productive meetings while managing conflict, difficult behaviours and public participation professionally.

This highly interactive session helps councillors develop the confidence and practical skills needed to chair meetings effectively in both formal and challenging situations.

Topics include:

  • the role of the chair
  • preparing and structuring meetings
  • encouraging constructive debate
  • managing dominant or disruptive participants
  • handling difficult members of the public
  • maintaining professionalism and neutrality
  • summarising discussions effectively
  • keeping meetings focused and productive
  • managing “meetings within meetings”
  • creating the right climate for discussion

Practical exercises and realistic scenarios are used throughout.

Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

3 Hours

Whether speaking in the council chamber, at community meetings or in the media, councillors need to communicate clearly, confidently and persuasively.

This lively and supportive session explores practical ways to improve confidence, structure presentations effectively and communicate with impact.

Topics include:

  • planning and preparation
  • structuring messages clearly
  • voice, pace and body language
  • managing nerves and anxiety
  • handling difficult questions
  • using visual aids effectively
  • persuasive communication techniques
  • making presentations memorable

No formal role-play is required.

Presentation and Public Speaking Workshops

3 Hours

This practical workshop allows councillors to develop and practise their communication skills in a safe, supportive and constructive environment.

Working in small groups with professional actors and facilitators, participants receive individual feedback, practical tips and coaching to help maximise their effectiveness and confidence.

Ideal as a follow-on session to the introductory programme.

Handling the Media

3 Hours Evening or 5 Hours Saturday

Media engagement can be both an opportunity and a challenge for councillors.

This practical programme explores how to work constructively with journalists, handle interviews confidently and communicate effectively during difficult or high-profile situations.

Topics include:

  • understanding different forms of media
  • deciding whether to engage
  • handling newspaper, radio and television interviews
  • preparing key messages
  • managing difficult questions
  • responding during crises
  • writing press statements
  • building productive relationships with journalists

Interview simulations can be included where required.

Handling Difficult Constituents

3 Hours Evening or 5 Hours Saturday

Most councillors encounter difficult, demanding or highly emotional situations with constituents at some point in their role.

This practical and highly participative programme develops the skills needed to manage these situations professionally, calmly and safely.

Topics include:

  • understanding why conflict escalates
  • handling anger constructively
  • active listening and rapport-building
  • assertive communication techniques
  • maintaining professionalism under pressure
  • managing time-consuming interactions
  • personal safety awareness
  • turning difficult situations into positive outcomes

Professional actors are used to create realistic but supportive practice scenarios.

Overview and Scrutiny Skills

3 Hours

Effective scrutiny plays a vital role in accountability and good governance.

This programme helps members develop the questioning, listening and analytical skills needed to carry out scrutiny effectively while maintaining constructive relationships with officers and witnesses.

Participants will explore:

  • the role of overview and scrutiny
  • asking effective and probing questions
  • supplementary questioning techniques
  • identifying relevant evidence and information
  • understanding when “call-in” may be appropriate
  • active listening skills
  • maintaining productive scrutiny relationships
  • improving committee effectiveness

Interactive scrutiny simulations can be incorporated throughout.

Time Management for Councillors

3 Hours

Balancing council responsibilities alongside work, family and personal commitments can be challenging.

This engaging and practical programme explores realistic ways councillors can manage competing demands more effectively and reduce stress and overload.

Topics include:

  • prioritisation techniques
  • dealing with procrastination
  • managing interruptions and distractions
  • handling time-consuming constituents
  • diary and workload management
  • reading documents efficiently
  • organising paperwork and communications
  • maintaining personal resilience

Drama-based scenarios are used to reinforce key learning points.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Councillors

3 Hours

Councillors make decisions that can significantly affect different communities, groups and individuals.

This practical and engaging programme introduces councillors to the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and the importance of inclusive decision-making.

Participants will:

  • understand the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty
  • explore the impact of council decisions on different communities
  • examine the relationship between equality and policy-making
  • understand the role of members in promoting inclusion
  • explore local demographic issues and their implications
  • develop greater awareness of equality-related governance responsibilities

Realistic scenarios and facilitated discussion are used throughout.

Running Successful Surgeries

3 Hours

Despite changing communication methods, surgeries remain an important opportunity for councillors to engage directly with residents.

This programme explores how to make surgeries safe, effective, well-organised and productive for both councillors and constituents.

Topics include:

  • choosing venues and timings
  • encouraging attendance
  • managing difficult conversations
  • handling disruptive or emotional constituents
  • maintaining focus and time boundaries
  • creating a welcoming environment
  • understanding local demographic needs
  • maximising community engagement opportunities

Influencing and Negotiation Skills

3 Hours

Councillors regularly need to influence colleagues, officers, partners and residents in complex and politically sensitive situations.

This practical and enjoyable programme develops core influencing, negotiation and communication skills relevant to the councillor role.

Topics include:

  • influencing strategies
  • negotiation principles
  • assertive communication
  • handling conflicting views diplomatically
  • active listening and questioning skills
  • building credibility and trust
  • planning persuasive conversations
  • managing resistance constructively

The programme focuses heavily on practical application and real-world scenarios.