Member Development Programme

The Member Development Programme has been designed to enable Members to develop the skills and knowledge required to perform their duties. The calendar of events for 2026 can be found below. The page will be updated regularly as new training sessions and resources are added. Members are encouraged to attend all sessions where possible.

As well as internally run training, the programme will highlight specific events hosted by the Local Government Association (LGA). Members are also welcome to explore other webinars provided by the LGA by following this link.

If there are any LGA events that you wish to attend, please contact rosie.kenyon@gloucestershire.gov.uk or laura.powick@gloucestershire.gov.uk for help with registering your attendance. Members are also encouraged to make use of the LGA's e-learning resources.

Where available, links to additional relevant resources have been added.

Training topic	Date	Delivery	Useful Resources
	January
Co-Pilot/ AI training	16th January 1-2pm	ICT and Digital Team Via teams	Get an understanding of AI within the corporate environment Learn practical ways AI can assist with everyday tasks Gain confidence in using Copilot Chat, the corporate Gen AI tool. Link to the recording: https://youtu.be/tFsOXdpclAQ
	February
Data and managing the council's performance	11th February 2-4.30pm	LGA Via teams	For more information and how to register, use this link: Local Government Association
Personal safety for Councillors	12th February 2-3.30pm	LGA Via teams	For more information and how to register, use this link: Local Government Association
Handling online abuse and intimidation for Councillors	19th February 2-2.30pm	LGA Via teams	For more information and how to register, use this link: Local Government Association

	March
Member Visit to SkillZone	18th March 1-4pm	SkillZone Team	A visit to SkillZone, which offers valuable, hands-on insights into a wide range of safety scenarios. Through immersive experiences, SkillZone educates visitors on how to recognise potential hazards and provides guidance on the best practices for preventing accidents.
Engaging with the Media and Public Speaking	31st March 10-12:00	Adam Barnes	This members development session will focus on better engaging with the media and improving public speaking skills.
	April
Adverse Childhood Experiences	13th April 10-11:30am	Helen Flitton, Ruth Woolley and Molly Macleod	Content TBC
GCC Committees and Cabinet Role	14th April 10-12:00	Stephen Bace	The session will provide an overview of the council's committees and the role of Cabinet and Scrutiny.
Members Market Day	30th April 10-12:00	GCC Directorates	An opportunity for members to learn more about different GCC teams and services. There will be stalls and officers from every GCC Directorate.
	May
Road Safety and Streetworks	18th May 1:30-3pm	The Highways Team	Content TBC
	June

	July

	September

	October

	November
Highways	23rd November 13:30-15:00	The Highways Team	Content TBC
	December