For council employees to perform better
A course aimed at achieving better performance from councils’ employees was launched this morning by the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Councils Chris Said.
The course, E-Councils, is aimed at clerks, councillors, executive secretaries, and mayors, and is provided by TCTC. The subjects range from ICT, soft skills, administration and management.
Public administration, including policies, tendering and audit regulations, public speaking, customer care; and what it entailed to be an e-councillor, were also to be covered.
Dr Said stressed the importance of training with the aim of improving the quality of services offered by councils.
He said that the increase in human and financial resources for councils this year, as a result of the reform, would be meaningless if councillors and employees were not trained and qualified to provide an efficient service to residents.
Such courses, coupled with others offered by councils to the local community, were clear evidence of the extended role of councils.
TCTC managing director Ray Abela said the company ventured on a Public Private Partnership with councils with a vision to go further than just an induction course.
The E-Councils course was intended to lead to other areas of specialisation such as public administration, administration and secretarial diplomas, as well as specific training, public speaking and presentation techniques.
The course is open to all councils in Malta and Gozo and will be delivered from TCTC community training centres.
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Christian Sciberras
Mar 7th 2010, 15:35
Some people see this as an unnecessary burden. It is NOT.
People should learn to enhance their skills outside of schools.
The use of ages-old tech cannot be tolerated (such as the continued practice of employing workers for life by the government).
New systems need to be introduced, and people should stop limiting their knowledge to age 20 (or worst, 18).
Some people, most the best in their fields, keep up with their work and up to standard by training themselves during or apart their job.
This practice should be adopted by everyone.
Good work to those involved in the making of this project.
I would like to take this occasion to mention that the increased use of specialized technology should be enhanced.
Dr Said knows very well that there are individuals outside of the council which would voluntarily embark on technological projects. They just need motivation and a common coordinator.
This, I'm afraid, is not up to me, nor most people, to decide.
Alfred Grima
Mar 6th 2010, 19:40
@Victoria Camilleri
Although I agree that all elected councillors should do their best and attend for these courses, on the other hand one need to keep in mind that all the work that councillors do is on a voluntary basis.
Alfred Grima
St Paul's Bay Local Councillor
M. Zammit
Mar 6th 2010, 19:32
All well and good that such courses are organized but I believe courses in practicality, common sense, ethics, discipline, value for money and awareness are needed much more than these general short courses, that are being organized. A change in mentality at all levels of government will also go a long way to improve the services being provided to customers/residents.
Why are these courses only being offered to local councils when local councils need the support of government department and Authorities that are not quite so quick to respond to demands?
david Gulia
Mar 6th 2010, 17:08
Should this also apply for some of the members of parlament?
Victoria Camilleri
Mar 6th 2010, 15:17
Well done Hon Chris Said for this E-Councils course for the local councils' staff starting from the Mayors, Executive Secretaries and all the rest of the staff. I hope that this course will be compulsory since if it will be optional only those who don t really need it will attend as is always the case. From personal experience certain council staff in particular need this E Councils course very badly. We await the results. Thank you.