The Mayoral Leadership Program is designed to equip mayors and deputy mayors to lead their council, as well as to satisfy the legislative requirements to undertake induction training within one month of election to the role.

The VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program will best prepare Mayors and Deputy Mayors to lead effecively throughout their term, looking at the role and relationships as well as the leadership skills required to ensure good governance.

The full day program will discuss: 

Roles and Responsibilities

Participants will come away with a comprehensive understanding of the specific roles and responsibilities of the mayor and deputy mayor, and how they differ from the role of a councillor. This will include:

• Understanding the powers and duties associated with the positions
• Working as a leadership team with elected councillors
• The support available to the mayor and deputy mayor

Leadership

Participants will learn about the knowledge and skills relevant to the mayor’s role as the leader of the elected councillors and will build leadership skills for guiding councillors and fostering collaboration. This will include:

• Building and maintaining relationships between councillors
• Leading the councillor group and resolving conflicts
• The role of the mayor in the Model Councillor Code of Conduct
• Supporting individual councillors, especially first-term members, through coaching, mentoring, and feedback

Participants will also learn about the important working relationship between the mayor and the chief executive officer and the respective roles. This will include:

• Importance of establishing a good working relationship
• Communication and role clarity between the Mayor and CEO
• Leading the CEO's performance review process

Engagement and Advocacy

Participants will learn about their role as the principal spokesperson for the council and the leader of civic and ceremonial duties and will develop skills to act as the council's spokesperson and leader. This will include:

• Communication and public speaking
• Speaking to the media
• Effective advocacy
• Performing civic and ceremonial duties

Chairing Meetings

Participants will learn about their role as the chair of council meetings, including preparing for the meeting, managing and chairing the meeting itself and the application of common governance rules. This will include:

• Assisting the CEO in agenda development
• Preparing for meetings by understanding key issues
• Role of the Chairperson in facilitating debate and managing time
• Applying the Council's Governance Rules during meetings