Councillor Training

As detailed in the 'Guide to the Role and Duties of an Aberdeenshire Councillor' (pdf 1.14mb) in order for a councillor to fully play his or her part requires them to be diligent in accepting the opportunities for training when provided.

It was agreed that Aberdeenshire Council councillors will undertake at least five days Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per annum.

A range of opportunities are made available including: induction for newly elected councillors, sessions on local government finance and the recruitment of head teachers, as well as customised training for those sitting on licensing boards.

Since the current Council was elected on 3 May 2007, the following have taken place:

• the role descriptor for Councillors has been issued
• a training needs analysis was undertaken at that time and is on-going with newly elected members to agree Personal Development Plans

Recent CPD events include a well received, dramatic production on Equalities Awareness attended by 37 councillors, 29 councillors attended a session on representing the council on Arms' Length External Organisations and 14 attended a session on 'Making effective use of your BlackBerry'.

Further Information

• Role and duties of a Councillor
• Register of interests and ethical standards in public life
• Expense payments made to Councillors