A comprehensive induction helps new councillors to settle in, to understand their role and expectations, to forge strong relationships with officers, and to build competence and confidence in serving their community.
The induction pack, programme of learning and development, and the wider resources available can also be a useful refresher for existing or returning councillors.
The checklist below sets out examples from councils of the type of content that can be considered in an induction pack.
Please email [email protected] to receive some example council documents.
The LGA also has resources, such as the New Councillor Hub, which can be signposted to as an addition to council inductions; briefings, guidance and publications on service areas and wider local government topics; and LG Inform, our free data and benchmarking tool.
This checklist sets out examples from councils of the type of content that can be considered in an induction pack.
Aims and purpose of induction
- Welcomes from the chief executive and directors
- Purpose and importance of induction, learning and development, and continual improvement
- Understanding that being a new councillor can be a steep learning curve and reassurance that a wide range of support is available
- Context and landscape of the local area and wider local government
- Values and vision of the council and the integral role councillors play in achieving these
- Statement of accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusion underpinning the councillor development strategy and programme – providing equal access (for example, reasonable adjustments, timings of training sessions, different learning styles), and supporting councillors at every stage of their journey and tenure
- Overview of the key roles and responsibilities of councillors
- Role profiles for all positions at the council
- Overview of the full learning and development offer
- Signposting to the full learning and development programme
- Signposting to other resources available
- Buddying and mentoring – including for specific functions (for example, democratic services buddy or IT buddy)
- Ward information
- Casework management
- Organisational chart, names and contact details of council officers
- Key building addresses, opening times and travel information, details of the workspaces available for councillors to use
- Key contacts for frequently asked questions and specific support
Signposting to other important information
- Constitution and code of conduct
- Allowances scheme and claim forms for example, for carers allowance
- Register of interests and bank details
- Guidance for councillors appointed to outside bodies
- Signposting to all relevant strategies, policies, plans and programmes – can be appended in a pack or linked to electronically
- External information and support by local partners, regional organisations, or the LGA
- Glossary of terms