This course gives you the opportunity to:
What people say about Professional ethics: Navigating the grey zone
“Ethics is foundational aspect of every Councillor's public service. This course should be mandatory Councillor training - firstly for incoming Councillors, secondly as refresher course for re-elected Councillors. Public trust in all levels of public office is important. I believe this course reaffirms that fact to Councillors - what we say, our conduct in public meetings, dealings with Council staff and stakeholders - should all be guided by a strong foundation in ethics. I would recommend this course to everyone in public office.” Councillor
“I refer regularly to the concepts, tips and resources from the Professional Ethics course.” Councillor
“Thanks for the presentation Sandy. Lots of thought provoking discussion.” Councillor
“There is a definite feeling that as a result of the in-house workshop, the bond between the Councillors who attended and the Senior staff has improved substantially. Thank you again Sandy for your time, your input, your ear - and clearly actually listening - and your professionalism.” Council Human Resources Manager
“We all have values and moral convictions – ethics is about having the courage to apply these in the real world.” Professor Ian Harper, Dean of Melbourne University Business School, in ‘The ethical advantage: the economic and social benefits of ethics to Australia’ by Deloitte Access Economics.
Deloitte Access Economics reported organisations with a robust culture of ethical decision-making and conduct report better mental and physical health. Further, Deloitte found unethical behaviour leads to poorer financial outcomes for businesses.
Professional ethics: Navigating the grey zone is a course designed specifically for mayors, councillors & executive managers across Australia
As an elected representative or council manager, your community expects you to make ethical decisions. During your time with council there will be challenges to your integrity, council values and professional ethics. How will you handle these challenges? How will your actions affect community trust in local government? Will you be known as a person with consistent ethical conduct?
Professional ethics: Navigating the grey zone is a practical course offering the skills and confidence to act on your personal and professional values. Most people want to act ethically - rehearsing what you would say and do increases the likelihood of consistent ethical behaviour.
Why participate? Making ethical decisions is everyday business for councillors and senior managers. However, acting ethically isn’t always easy - you may be the lone voice on an issue, feel you are going against more experienced councillors, be concerned that calling something out might make council look bad. There are effective ways to handle these situations.
The learning curve for mayors and councillors is steep. Induction programs encompass multiple elements: code of conduct, meeting procedures, conflict of interest, community engagement, planning, and more. Sandy Killick, Managing Director of Democracy Matters, emphasises, "The value of ethics training is that it brings these critical elements together in a way that strengthens council decision-making and conduct."
Delivery modes This 4 hour course is delivered over 2 sessions either in-house (F2F, hybrid) or as group workshop with councillors from other parts of your state/territory (F2F, hybrid, online). LG NSW members can access the workshop via Local Government NSW.
Contact Sandy Killick on sandy@democracymatters.com.au or 0409 204 100 to discuss how your council’s needs can be met or to inquire about a workshop.