FIVE members of Derry’s coucil are to take part in a programme to develop the ‘leadership skills required of the 21st century Councillor’.
The £850 a head Programme was approved at a meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee earlier this week.
Democratic Services and Improvement Office, Ellen Cavanagh, told the meeting the accredited course will provide councillors with external accreditation of the skills and knowledge acquired through their role.
It will be delivered by Joe Simpson of the Leadership Centre and Dorothy McKee of Dorothy Mc Kee Consulting.
“It will develop the leadership skills required of the 21st century Councillor at an organisational, political and community level,” said Ms Cavanagh.
The six-module course will start next month and finish in December.
Councillors who complete the course will also have the chance to apply for an ILM accreditation which will provide them with a transferable, recognised qualification which can be used in applying for other positions outside of Council.
Any member fails to complete the programme, or show satisfactory progress, will be required to refund the full amount of financial assistance paid by Council.
An additional cost of approximately £700 will be applied for each Councillor wishing to pursue the ILM accreditation.
Sinn Fein Councillor Colly Kelly proposed the motion and it was seconded by SDLP Councillor Tina Gardiner.
Councillor Kelly said he was ‘happy to support it’ and was nominated by his party to take part.
Councillor Darren O’Reilly was put forward on behalf on the independent councillors but SDLP, DUP and UUP said they would propose a representative at a later date.
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