NILGA and The Open University have launched a new initiative to support the development and broaden the skills of elected members.
The idea, born of out discussion with the Department for the Economy, will see The Open University and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) launch an accessible and free online learning hub for councillors in Northern Ireland.
Hosted on OpenLearn, The Open University’s free learning platform, the NILGA hub offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality courses, articles and other resources focused on digital, placeshaping & prosperity, sustainability, leadership and wellbeing.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Regional balance is one of the four priorities in my economic plan and the councils, through their Local Economic Partnerships, will have a key role to play in identifying their own priorities for local economic development and the associated actions to deliver improvements.
“Officials in my Department identified the opportunity for The Open University and NILGA to work together in order to create a bespoke, curated hub on the OpenLearn site.
“Councils deliver a range of services and programmes, including economic development and local tourism. The aim of the hub is to develop elected members’ knowledge and skills in these specialised areas so that they can better serve their constituents.
“I very much thank The Open University and NILGA for their cooperation on this resource which I have no doubt will be incredibly valuable to the councils, NILGA and my Department as we work to deliver a regionally balanced economy.”
The Open University have created similar hubs for organisations such as Libraries NI and Manufacturing NI with the hubs being well received.
Initial topics for the NILGA Hub will focus on economic development, including the digital and green agenda and develop other learning to support the councils on the development of their Local Economic Partnerships.
The platform has been created to meet the evolving needs of elected members and provides a flexible, inclusive, and adaptable learning experience, putting valuable knowledge at the fingertips of our councillors.
John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said, "We are delighted to partner with NILGA to launch this learning hub for councillors across Northern Ireland. The Open University has a proud history of making high-quality education accessible to all, and this platform will provide councillors with the flexible learning opportunities they need to develop their skills and knowledge. By investing in their continuous professional development, councillors can enhance their leadership, decision-making, and ability to create positive change in their communities."
Cllr Alison Bennington, NILGA President, welcomed the initiative, saying, "The NILGA Learning Hub represents a significant step in our commitment to support the development and learning of each councillor in Northern Ireland. This platform offers councillors the opportunity to fit in their learning and development around their busy work schedules through a range of resources to suit all learning styles.
It will enhance the knowledge and skills of councillors, support their personal growth as well as their ability to develop and support the communities they diligently serve."
NILGA and The Open University Launch New Online Learning Hub for Councillors –
NILGA Learning Hub | OpenLearn - Open University
--Ends--
