Practical learning to support confident, capable and resilient elected members
Focused development programmes designed around the real responsibilities of elected members, that will help councillors to build skills, confidence and effectiveness in their role.
Member Development
Member development programmes delivered by The Baikie–Wood Consultancy Ltd are specifically designed to reflect the realities of life as an elected member. Built around the councillor role, these sessions support members in developing the practical skills, judgement and confidence needed to operate effectively in a complex and highly visible environment.
The courses presented here cover a wide range of development areas, from communication, influencing and leadership skills, through to personal organisation, safety, wellbeing and scrutiny. Each programme is highly practical, encouraging reflection, discussion and the direct application of learning to real situations members face in their day-to-day work.
Most sessions are designed as short, focused workshops, typically lasting around two hours, and can be delivered virtually to fit around members’ existing commitments. While the courses are shown as individual modules, all content can be adapted, combined or tailored to meet local priorities, organisational objectives, or specific member development needs.
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Miranda Smythe
Telephone: 07976 941335
Email: thebwc@btinternet.com
Questioning skills for scrutiny
A huge “thank you” for the training session. I’m not just making this up, but it was excellent. The Chair and Lead Member are raving about it.
Select a course below to explore individual topics in more detail.
- An Introduction to Mental Health
- Business Writing
- Chairing In-person Meetings
- Chairing Virtual and Hybrid Meetings
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Coping Techniques
- Equal Opportunities and Diversity
- Facilitation Skills
- Influencing Skills
- Interview Skills
- Managing Casework
- Managing Conflict in Meetings
- Managing Online Abuse and Threats
- Mediation Skills
- Memory Skills and Mind mapping
- Mentoring Skills
- Performance Review Skills
- Personal Organisation
- Personal Safety
- Public Speaking – Introduction
- Public Speaking – Advanced
- Questioning Skills for Effective Scrutiny
- Recruitment and Selection Interviewing
- Speed Reading and Retention
- Writing Letters of Advocacy