This course is available to junior lawyers at a discounted rate of £75 + VAT. Click here for more information.
This half day course will cover everything you need to know about working at the political interface. Delivered by highly experienced lawyer, consultant and trainer Bethan Evans, the course addresses how to work at a senior level in the political environment of a local authority.
The ability to navigate the political interface with elected members is, more than ever, an essential part of being a successful senior local government lawyer. LLG’s Political Awareness Course will enable you to properly understand the political dynamics of local government, be confident with the governance framework, and develop the personal skills needed for success.
The content will cover:
The role of elected councillors
The role of officers including the Monitoring Officer and other statutory officers
The importance of the relationship between members and officers in an effective council
Does the traditional model still hold good?
Standards, conduct and probity
Dealing with the politics!
Learning lessons about the political interface from recent high profile reports
Practical actions to ensure good governance
The personal values and skills you will need
Tips for operating successfully in a political environment
The course will include plenty of examples and mini scenarios. It will be practical in nature, focusing on skills and tips for tackling real issues which will help you in your role at your council. It is a new course, bringing together the material previously covered in LLG’s Essential Guide and the Masterclass sessions on Political Awareness. It is a live event (held virtually) which means that we can keep completely up-to-date with this fast moving, and topical, subject.
This course is ideal for lawyers in local government who are moving, or plan to move, into more senior roles where their interaction with members will grow and there will be greater need to deal with governance issues. The course will also be suitable for lawyers moving into local government from the private or other sectors. In addition, any lawyer in local government who feels they need a refresher on this essential topic, however experienced they are, will be very welcome.
Bethan Evans Governance Training and Consultancy, GOV TC
Beth is a recognised expert in local authority governance and decision-making, having worked in this field for over 40 years. She was an in-house lawyer for nearly 20 years, at four different councils in England (including Bristol City Council, Avon County Council and South Gloucestershire Council). She moved from a practitioner specialising in education, housing, commercial and social care law into management posts, culminating in roles as a County Solicitor and a Director of Corporate Services in a unitary authority.
Beth led the Welsh Local Government Agency responsible for improvement and development in the 22 unitary councils in Wales (and the regional employer) for three years from 1998.
In 2001 Beth moved to a role as a partner with Bevan Brittan LLP, a leading national law firm, where she led the local government team for 17 years, for 4 years of which she was Senior Partner of the firm. The firm has, for many years, been ranked Band One legal advisors for local authorities.
Legal 500 rankings 2017 – UK Local Government Law
Bethan Evans is the “undisputed leader in the field”
In 2016, Beth left her legal role and set up her business as an independent governance trainer and advisor. She is an experienced and highly regarded practitioner in this field. She specialises in member and officer development for local authorities. She has a wealth of practical experience which enables her to bring these insights to her training.
In this capacity, Beth has provided sessions for over 120 councils over the last few years, including county councils, unitaries, London boroughs, combined authorities, districts, and parishes.
Beth works extensively with LLG on their programme of governance related sessions and on training for Monitoring Officers.
Other roles
In addition to her professional business, Beth has held trustee/non-executive roles including:
Chair of the charity Ablaze which seeks to address inequality of opportunity and achievement in young people by bringing businesses and schools together in reading, maths, and mentoring programmes
Non-executive Director of Bristol Energy Limited for 2 years
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09:30 - 12:30
Online
