Richmond upon Thames councillors are set to benefit from a comprehensive 18-month induction and refresher programme designed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge for their roles. The programme, detailed in the Member Induction and Refresher Programme 2026
document, will commence following the May 2026 local elections.
This initiative aims to impart a wide range of competencies, including understanding key councillor roles and responsibilities, navigating council equipment and systems, gaining an overview of vital council services, and grasping Members' Code of Conduct requirements and statutory obligations. The programme will also delve into the council's Constitution, ethics, committee procedure rules, and the principles of civility in public life. Specific training will be tailored for roles such as Lead Members and Committee Chairs, as well as for councillors taking on new responsibilities due to portfolio changes. Furthermore, the programme will address IT security and resilience, and may cover the corporate plan and key performance indicators.
A welcome evening is scheduled for May 12, 2026, followed by a Members' Fair on May 14, 2026. At the fair, directors and key officers will introduce their respective areas of work. Feedback from previous induction programmes has shaped the current structure, emphasising a spaced-out delivery of information and the provision of hybrid training options, including recorded sessions for flexible access.
To ensure accessibility, the council will provide recorded training sessions, creating a library of resources for members who cannot attend live sessions. While questions and answers will not be recorded to encourage open discussion, the core training content will be available. For councillors with special needs, the council will endeavour to provide tailored support once their specific requirements are identified. This could include one-on-one assistance with IT skills or for members with particular learning needs.
Recognising the critical importance of IT security, mandatory cyber security training will be a key component. Councillors who fail to complete this training may face sanctions, including restricted internet access. The meeting information clarifies that this could involve preventing a member from accessing the internet or downloading potentially harmful content that could affect the council's systems. No other sanctions are currently specified.
External development opportunities through organisations like the Local Government Association (LGA) and Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) will be shared with councillors. Members can apply for relevant courses, but prior approval from the Head of Support and Member Services is required. These external development activities are typically reserved for Lead Members, including those from the Opposition. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the identified needs, the number of requests, and the available training budget.
Specific training will also be provided for planning and licensing committees. Planning Committee members will learn about the application process, how members and constituents can influence it, and the scope of the planning system. Licensing Committee training will cover the committee's background, the types of decisions made, public involvement, hearing and decision-making processes, and the legal framework.
The effectiveness of the 18-month programme will be gauged through member feedback collected after the initial three to four months. This feedback will be crucial for identifying areas for improvement and refining further training modules.
The programme's cost will be covered by existing budgets, and a dedicated section on the council's website will host resources, supplemented by a handbook for all members.
