Introduction to London politics

A ground-breaking programme for councillors from London's 33 boroughs delivered by the IDeA in association with Birkbeck, University of London and the Political Skills Forum.

Because London has all-out elections it is likely that there will be a major influx of new councillors, ambitious but inexperienced, every four years. It is therefore essential that new councillors be given full support and encouragement – not only by their councils and peers but also by expert practitioners from across London.

An Introduction to London Politics draws on the knowledge and experience of the University of London's Birkbeck College, the Political Skills Forum and the IDeA, to create a unique opportunity for London's councillors to be supported over the crucial first months of their term.

The programme comprises three interrelated modules that explore the role of councillors in the context of:

• their London borough
• their wider community leadership role
• London's governance

It is designed to complement and reinforce programmes offered by individual councils and will prepare all councillors – especially newly elected ones – for their changing role over the next four years.

An Introduction to London Politics will start in autumn 2006 and conclude in spring 2007.

Module 1: representing the people
October 2006

This module aims to give new and returning councillors the information and skills they need and provide opportunities for debate with councillors from different parties and boroughs. Over eight evening seminars we will discuss the roles and responsibilities of councillors, including:

• member-officer relationships
• effective casework and the opportunities presented by their scrutiny
• regulatory roles

The module will feature presentations from experts, case studies and peer debate delivered by IDeA consultants, the Political Skills Forum and accredited member peers from the IDeA's Peer Clearing House.

Module 2: the community leadership role
January 2007

This module will be delivered by experts from Birkbeck College under the direction of Professor John Annette, Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Professor of Citizenship and Lifelong Learning. It will be a series of 10 seminars and events – on either a weekend or evening basis – which will address community leadership issues in London. It will also examine how councillors can work with a variety of local organisations and interests to engage in effective partnership working linked to regeneration, community cohesion and local governance.

Module 3: London's governance
April 2007

This module will be delivered by Birkbeck College and the Political Skills Forum, with external speakers. Over 10 seminars and events we will look at how local councillors can work with a variety of organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector to achieve their ambitions.

We will focus on local strategic partnerships; housing oganisations; the Metropolitan Police; the London Development Agency; and Transport for London among others. We will also explain the role of the Mayor and the Assembly.

The module will look at some of the London-wide issues, including opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympics and the Learning and Skills Agenda.

Credits and qualifications

Councillors who take the programme can opt to gain credits towards a University of London qualification. Each module carries points under the university's 'credit and accumulation and transfer system' (CATS). Full details of the opportunities for accreditation and access to further Birkbeck programmes will be given to participating councils and councillors.

Fees

Fees payable by London boroughs for up to five participating councillors are £4,000 plus VAT. This includes full access to the year-long programme and in-council briefing for participating councillors and member support staff. To encourage early take-up we are offering a 25 per cent discount to the first 10 boroughs to sign up to the programme. This offer expires on 2 June.

Venue

The programme will be based at Birkbeck College, Bloomsbury, London,  WC1E 7HX.