Talent Bank Lunch and Learn – Introduction to Role of Councillor

Local Government East presents the next session in its Lunch & Learn series, designed to support councils welcoming new members and strengthening overview and scrutiny arrangements.

With many new councillors being elected, this session provides practical support for both members and officers to build confidence, clarity, and effective scrutiny practice from the outset. Each element is designed to deliver practical outcomes that can be applied immediately within your council.

Session Overview

This Lunch & Learn will cover:

• Introduction to the Role of Councillor – supporting new members to understand expectations, responsibilities, and how to operate effectively within the council structure

• Introduction to Overview and Scrutiny for Members – understanding purpose, powers, and how scrutiny adds value

• Developing Scrutiny for Officers, Chairs and Vice-Chairs – strengthening leadership, challenge, and holding to account

• Equality and Diversity Training – embedding inclusive practice in governance and decision-making

Experience and Expertise

The session is informed by extensive first-hand experience of scrutiny and governance, including:

• 27 years as a councillor, entering local government during the transition from the former committee system to the introduction of overview and scrutiny

• Leading a review of overview and scrutiny as Deputy Leader, making recommendations for improvement

• Supporting scrutiny chairs and vice-chairs in a Shadow Deputy Leader role with responsibility for learning and development

• Improving scrutiny and accountability as Vice Chair, West Midlands Police Authority, and as Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner

• Recently designing and delivering Introduction to Scrutiny and Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs programmes for councils in the North West region

With minor adjustments, this programme is ready to support new members and new councils as they establish effective governance arrangements.

Who should attend

• Newly elected councillors

• Scrutiny chairs and vice-chairs

• Officers supporting overview and scrutiny

• Monitoring officers and governance leads

• Leaders responsible for member development and democratic services

Why this session works

• Practical and grounded in real local government experience

• Focused on strengthening accountability and governance

• Supports both members and officers

• Immediately applicable to new councils and newly elected members

For queries or further information, please contact:

• Paige O’Connell, Commercial Coordinator – paige.O’Connell@localgoveasteng.gov.uk
• Rachel Heathcock, Specialist Training Manager – rachel.heathcock@localgoveasteng.gov.uk