Cost: from £130 + VAT

This half day course will reflect on the lessons which can be learned from recent public reports on problems and concerns in various councils. Delivered by highly experienced lawyer, consultant and trainer Bethan Evans, the course will draw on Public Interest and Government Intervention Reports published over the last few years which have highlighted governance failings in a range of councils.

The session will ensure that all delegates are up to date with the latest findings and conclusions from investigations and reviews into councils including:

• Northamptonshire County Council
• Liverpool City Council
• Croydon Council
• Nottingham City Council
• Slough Borough Council
• Sandwell MBC

The course will analyse the consistent themes which have been highlighted including:

• The key components of good governance
• The role of the statutory officers
• Member/officer relations
• Probity and conduct
• The challenge of complex governance arrangements, including LA companies

The course will be practical in nature, focusing on what every council (however different from the ones we are considering) can learn from these reports. It is a live event (held virtually) which means that we can generate good discussion and engagement.

This course is aimed at MOs, DMOs and senior colleagues who have a lead role in ensuring good governance in their council.

Speaker

Bethan Evans

Bethan Evans Governance Training and Consultancy

Beth is a recognised expert in local authority governance, having worked in the field for over 35 years. She worked as an in-house lawyer for nearly 20 years at four different councils in England specialising in housing, education and social care. Beth then moved into management posts, culminating in roles as a County Solicitor and a Director of Corporate Services in a unitary authority.

Beth led the Welsh Local Government Agency responsible for improvement and development in Welsh local government for three years. In 2001 she joined Bevan Brittan LLP as a partner where she led the local government team for 17 years, four of which she spent as senior partner.

Beth acted as secretary and chair of a branch and then as national chair of the (then) Local Government Group in 1998/99.