Councillor Development

In part three of Data Protection & GDPR training for councils, Breakthrough Communications covers data subject rights and information security.

The course explains how to deal with data subject rights, including Subject Access Requests (SARs), and the steps to take to ensure you are compliant and able to consider what exemptions may apply. There is also an introduction to information security for local councils and what this means in practice.

In this course, Breakthrough Communications discuss practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and situations. 

Handling realtionships professionally is critical in local councils. It can, however, be tough dealing with challenging people and situations.

In this course, Breakthrough Communications provide councillors, officers and employees with an understanding of where our behaviour comes from, what resilience means in the context of council roles and how to build emotional intelligence.

Council-focused scenarios will be explored and how best to respond to each of them.

This course is aimed at new chairs and vice chairs of councils and committees and to those considering stepping into such roles. It can also act as a refresher to those already in post and with more experience.

The course is delivered in two parts; a video and, at a later date, an online session. There are a maximum of six places to ensure all of your questions are answered and important points thoroughly discussed.

This course explores how to build effective two-way relationships with journalists, how to write effective press releases and how to get regular coverage in your local and regional media.

From local newspapers and magazines to regional TV and radio, traditional media provides councils a platform to communicate with residents. Breakthrough Communications explains how to write effective press releases and how to get regular coverage in your local and regional media and how to build effective two-way relationships with journalists without being daunted.

Councils often find it challenging to connect with young people. This course will define "young people" and how to effectively reach and engage them, both on and offline.

Breakthrough Communications explores what is actually meant by the term "young people", the different groups within that terms and issues that matter to each. Insights on forming partnerships with local youth organisations will also be covered.

Recruiting passionate and engaged individuals to stand as councillors is becoming increasingly challenging. This course focuses on how to spark interest in your community for serving as a councillor.

Breakthrough Communications teach strategies to raise awareness about the vital role of the council and its councillors, build relationships with key stakeholders, and inspire people to get involved. By the end of the session, you'll have practical tools to promote the work of the council, highlight the rewards of being a councillor and encourage community members to consider stepping forward.

Councils often social media to connect with the communities. This course will explore the wide range of social media platforms available.

Breakthrough Communications will focus on how to get the most from key social media platforms, exploring ways of ensuring your social media output supports your council to achieve its goals and aims. You will also be introduced to social media advertising.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

This course is for councillors, clerks and employees, new and experienced, and explores what a local council can do when considering if a bad or unlawful planning decision has been made. 

Some people glide through their jam-packed days, ticking off tasks with the tempo of a teacher taking the morning register. Then there are the rest of us!