Tower Hamlets Council is set to launch a Councillor Development Certificate as part of its efforts to enhance member training and development. The initiative was discussed at a Standards Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, 29 September 2025, as part of the preparations for the 2026 Member Induction Programme, detailed in the Planning the Member Induction Programme for 2026 document.
The Councillor Development Certificate will be awarded upon completion of a set of core courses designed to equip councillors with key skills for their roles. The start of the Member Learning and Development Certificate courses from Monday 8 June will include areas such as:
- Local authority finance
- How policy is developed
- Speaking in public
- Speed reading and analysing information
- Having difficult conversations
- Equalities and Safeguarding
- Behaviours and managing difficult political situations
- Effective scrutiny and asking questions in meetings
- Time management and balancing competing workloads
This initiative aims to provide a way for councillors to demonstrate their commitment to learning and development to residents and others.
Matthew Mannion, Head of Democratic Services, outlined the broader Member Induction Plan 2026, which builds upon the 2022 plan and incorporates feedback from members and directorates. This feedback included ensuring skilled, professional trainers are involved, using a variety of interactive training methods, and providing proper food and refreshments. The plan includes:
- Contact with candidates before the election
- Signing of Acceptance of Office/Code of Conduct forms at the election count
- A 'Welcome to Tower Hamlets' evening to meet the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership
- A series of development sessions and seminars
- A wrap up session after 6 months of being a Councillor
The council aims to complete the main induction programme by the end of July 2026, with sessions offered both during the day and in the evening to accommodate councillors' schedules. The new plan will place a greater emphasis on skills development, linking into the Individual Member training budgets programme. Other new initiatives being considered include 'Be A Councillor' events, political group mentoring, and individual member training budgets with personal development plan sessions. The 'Be A Councillor' events are proposed to run on Saturdays 15th and 29th November.
Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain voiced support for skills-based training but emphasised the need for a baseline level of information for all councillors. He suggested a takeaway slide deck for reference, as well as skills audits and personal development budgets.
The Standards Advisory Committee reviewed the proposals at the meeting which was held at Tower Hamlets Town Hall.
