It can be a little daunting starting as a new or returning councillor; there's a lot of information to absorb very quickly. York's councillor induction programme, endorsed by the Audit and Governance Committee, is crucial in providing support and guidance to helps familiarise councillors with the council and their role.
Council member induction programme
The councillor induction programme starts with an opportunity for councillors to sign their 'Declaration of Acceptance of Office' with the Chief Executive, this is followed by sessions on:
- services available to councillors
- key introductions
- protocols and procedures you must follow
- role specific training
Councillor induction attendance
Councillors must register to attend induction sessions using their council email address (instructions provided on 'Day 1' of the induction programme); a learning record is kept as progress through the training is made.
Council members are expected to complete all sessions in the induction programme:
- mandatory sessions - relevant councillors must make every effort to attend in real-time, only if necessary should relevant councillors download mandatory sessions later; all other councillors can download mandatory sessions later
- optional sessions - all councillors can choose to attend in real-time, or to download optional sessions later; real-time attendance is strongly encouraged
For convenience, all materials and online learning sessions are available to download and further information or assistance is always available from our Director of Governance and other key contacts in the Council Management Team, covering subjects such as ICT, Facilities Management, Policy and Strategy, Communications and Business intelligence.
Support with York's councillor induction programme
To discuss access arrangements, or request information in an alternative format contact Democratic Services.
Councillors are asked to complete induction feedback forms so the programme, and how it’s delivered, can be continuously improved.
Also see
- Becoming a councillor (GOV.UK)
- Elections in York
- Election information for candidates
- Councillor conduct
- Councillors' allowances and expenses