Certificate in Local Governance for Councillors FAQs
Q1. How much of my time is the programme likely to take up?
A1. Over the 12 months of the programme, participants will be expected to attend LSBU for a total of 17 eight hour days and spend another 12 half days at a PC for distance learning seminars on line. In addition, an average of at least 2 hours a week will be expected for private study. The latter will include reading, preparation for modules and distance learning seminars and working on assessed projects. Participants who wish to gain the maximum from the programme and attain top grades may well need to devote up to an average of 7 hours a week for private study rather than just the two which are suggested as a minimum.
Q2. What happens if I lose my seat at an election before I finish the programme?
A2. Councillors would not normally be accepted onto the programme if they were up for election during the calendar year of the course. An exception might be where the councillor could show that the seat is sufficiently safe that the chances of not being re-elected are remote.
Q3. What happens if I lose my seat because of a Standards Board decision or for some other reason where I was disqualified from office before I finish the programme?
A3. As the programme is only open to serving councillors, you would be required to withdraw. You would also be asked to repay at least a proportion of the course fee subsidy.
Q4. What happens if I voluntarily decide to stand down as a councillor?
A4. As Q3 Above.
Q5. What happens if, once I’ve started, I decide that the course is not for me or if I am unable to cope with the workload?
A5. You would be required to repay at least a proportion of the course fee subsidy.
Q6. If, despite my best efforts, I fail the course, will I be required to repay the subsidy?
A6. London South Bank University will give support to anyone struggling with the programme but if you were to fail, despite having attended and resubmitted work, then you would not be required to repay.
Q7. There may be some modules which I cannot attend for personal, health or business reasons. Is there some leeway regarding attendance?
A7. Yes. Participants will not be expected to attend 100% or indeed be involved in every distance learning activity. However, particularly as their attendance is being subsidised by public funds, they will be expected to attend the vast majority of activities and provide reasonable grounds for non participation on the occasions when they are unable to.