Managing in a Political Environment

Developing and enhancing awareness of the political environment

The workshop offers an opportunity to explore the nature of current relationships, ways of working and the dynamics of political culture within the council.

It assists delegates to develop an understanding of the larger political context in which they work in, develop an understanding of political behaviour and the impact on the role of the manager. The workshop allows delegates to fine tune best practice in dealing with elected members.

The workshop also utilises political models to examine issues of political sensitivity and how to read the political environment you are working within.

The workshop will use a range of innovative / creative delivery methods including presentation, small group discussion, plenary feedback, case study and video presentation.

Objectives

• To develop and enhance Managers awareness of the political environment and working / engaging within the big P small p environment
• To further enhance awareness of the different levels of the decision-making process in the context of Executive / Overview & Scrutiny
• To enhance the Managers awareness of political concepts and offer Models of Competence and Integrity in politically sensitive situations
• To develop understanding of the development and maintenance of a departmental culture of trust in Political Management working relationships. To assess how that relationship / way of working relates to the Council.
• To analyse and develop Best Practice approaches to Member – Officer working.
• To enhance appreciation of the skills and values involved in giving professional and managerial support to Elected Members.
• To provide participants / delegates with the opportunity to discuss their own experiences in a secure environment and to begin to develop and explore further development options.

Facilitators

Simon Baddeley, INLOGOV

Mark Palmer, Development Director, SEE

About us

SEE is a Regional Employers' Organisation. We offer advice to local authorities across the south east, in addition to a range of training, development and consultancy opportunities tailored to your needs.

Sample Programme

Content for the Political Skills course will be tailored to meet your specific needs but will cover -

1. Facilitated Group Discussion

• The World of Members
• Role of Members and Member/Officer relations

2. Political behaviour and the role of the manager

• Member Officer Working
• Models of Political Competence - analysing skills and competencies involved for working in a political environment
• Power and influence. Use of power and how it can be used effectively

3. Developing and applying Political Skills Awareness

• Case Study based on a topical issue

4. Review and Discussion of key outputs and issues

5. Political Environment and Member Officer Relations

• Video Presentation of the Leader and Chief Executive reflecting on their interpretation of working in a political environment. Delegates provided with the opportunity to discuss and analyse the interview

6. Moving forward ideas and shared learning

To arrange a Managing in a Political Environment course for your authority or for further information, please email training@seemp.co.uk or call 01962 840664.

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