Political Decision Making Workshop Outline
Workshop Outline Workshop outcomes: As a result of attending this workshop you will be able to: Apply the decision making provisions of local government legislation Make informed decisions at council, committee, community board and other decision making meetings Use your community intelligence to assist you to make great decisions Confidently navigate your way through difficult decisions. Workshop timetable: Time Duration Topic 9.30 9.45am 15 mins Introductions 9.45 10.45am 60 mins 10.45 11.00am 15 mins Morning tea Session One: Legislation and decision making 11.00 12.30pm 90 mins Session Two: Decision making roles, responsibilities, methods and tactics 12.30 1.00pm 30 mins Lunch 1.00 2.30pm 60 mins Session Three: Community intelligence and decision making 2.30 2.45pm 15 mins Afternoon tea 2.45 3.15pm 30 mins Session Three, continued 3.15 4.15pm 75 mins Session Four: Practical application of decision making tools 4.15 4.30pm 15 mins Summary, evaluation and wrap-up LGNZ KnowHow Sept 2015 Page 2 of 6
Session One: Legislation and decision making Describe the relationship of local government with central government Identify the key elements of the Local Government Act 2002 and related legislation as they apply to decision making Identify the information required under law to make a good decision Explain reasons for confidentiality and confidential information and the protocols that apply Describe when a conflict of interest exists and steps to address any actual or potential conflict. 60 minutes This module will cover the foundational elements of decision making and will include: Identifying the relationship between politics and decision making The difference between participatory and representative democracy Where local government sits in the overall governance of New Zealand Decision making related legislation The significance of decisions - including the legal test of significance and the general effect of significant decisions that have political, community, financial, asset or risk elements Conflicts of interest and decision making. Continued on next page LGNZ KnowHow Sept 2015 Page 3 of 6
Session Two: Decision making roles, responsibilities, methods and tactics Explain the roles in political decision making Identify who is responsible for the various elements around decision making Describe the methods used for political decision making Explain the relationship with staff to gain information Identify tactics that are used in the decision making process. 90 minutes This module will cover the roles, responsibilities, methods and tactics of decision making and will include: The relationship between the governance and management of a local authority Key elements of the governance role The role of the Office of the Auditor General Decision making responsibilities Officer reports and decision making Implementing and monitoring decisions Decision making methods Delegations Effective meetings The go to whoa of a good decision. Continued on next page LGNZ KnowHow Sept 2015 Page 4 of 6
Session Three: Community intelligence and decision making Describe the principles and processes in the use of community intelligence by elected representatives in decision making Identify strategies to engage your communities Identify techniques to implement the use of community intelligence. 90 minutes This module will cover the identification and use of community intelligence in decision making and will include: The use and value of the eight steps of community intelligence which are: 1. What is your geographical area? 2. Identify the sectors in the community in this area 3. Establish a matrix of the community 4. What contacts do I have in each quadrant? 5. What are their requirements using the table? 6. Database of contacts (good for the next election!) 7. Community knowledge matrix 8. Strategies action plan Office reports and community intelligence. Continued on next page LGNZ KnowHow Sept 2015 Page 5 of 6
Session Four: Practical application of decision making tools Identify and use the decision making tools covered in this workshop for specific situations that you will encounter in your role Practically apply decision making techniques. 75 minutes This module will provide an opportunity to use the various tools, techniques and processes covered in this workshop through the use of a case study. Summary, evaluation and wrap-up objective: To reflect on today s learning 15 minutes This activity requires the facilitator to wrap-up the day, including: Tying up any loose ends that have remained parked from earlier in the day Reviewing expectations and concerns Asking participants to complete their evaluation forms. LGNZ KnowHow Sept 2015 Page 6 of 6