LGLA Certificate Program
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY supports and promotes education and training for local government and First Nations elected officials and senior administrators throughout the Province of British Columbia. The LGLA Certificate Program is designed to support and encourage elected officials to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge to help enable effective local governance. Benefits of obtaining a certificate include:
- Developing core leadership competencies essential for effective governance.
- Increased understanding of both the “big picture” and the “fine details” of governance.
- Recognition of commitment to continuous learning.
Elected officials wanting to apply for a certificate must complete the online application for the relevant level linked below. The application provides the required documentation of learning activities for review by the LGLA Board. Please review the Information Circular for more information on the requirements to obtain a certificate.
Certificate in Local Government Leadership
Establishes a basic level of knowledge, skills and abilities that newly elected officials require during their first term in office.
Level 1 Qualifications:
- Attend an LGLA Elected Officials Seminar
- Complete an additional 15 hours of coursework*
*At least 7.5 hours (50%) must be acquired at regular LGLA events (Annual Leadership Forum or Chief Elected Officials Forum). Remaining hours can be acquired at additional LGLA events or learning events sponsored by our approved partner agencies such as the UBCM Convention, Area Association conferences, occasional webinars, etc.
Level 1
Advanced Certificate in Local Government Leadership
Augments the competency gained by a returning elected official with additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be used in service to the community.
Level 2 Qualifications:
- Earn your Level 1 Certificate
- Serve at least one term as a BC local government or First Nations elected official
- Complete an additional 30 hours of coursework.*
*At least 15 hours (50%) must be acquired at regular LGLA events (Annual Leadership Forum or Chief Elected Officials Forum). Remaining hours can be acquired at additional LGLA events or learning events sponsored by our approved partner agencies such as the UBCM Convention, Area Association conferences, occasional webinars, etc.
Level 2
Excellence in Local Government Leadership
Acknowledges the competency gained by experienced elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills.
Level 3 Qualifications:
- Earn your Level 2 Certificate
- Serve at least two terms as a BC local government or First Nations elected official
- Complete an additional 30 hours of coursework.*
- Write a letter to the LGLA President and Board demonstrating how you exemplify three or more of the LGLA’s Eight Core Competencies
- Submit three letters of support from colleagues, peers, or constituents.
*At least 15 hours (50%) must be acquired at regular LGLA events (Annual Leadership Forum or Chief Elected Officials Forum). Remaining hours can be acquired at additional LGLA events or learning events sponsored by our approved partner agencies such as the UBCM Convention, Area Association conferences, occasional webinars, etc.
Level 3
Certificate Holders
Core Leadership Competencies
LGLA curriculum development draws inspiration from the following set of core competencies and related characteristics of successful elected officials.
- Leadership: Accepts challenges willingly & gains the confidence of others by acting in a knowledgeable, consistent, & ethical manner.
- Understanding: Possesses a good understanding of local government systems, the public service context, the community’s historical context, and the multiple interests of citizens.
- Accountability: Accepts personal responsibility, assumes a team player role, and ensures appropriate corporate oversight of organizational operations and program delivery.
- Facilitation: Ensures an accurate definition of the key issues, uses an effective decision making process, and seeks common ground among stakeholders.
- Prioritization: Acknowledges opportunities and limitations, assesses available resources, and considers community needs and values before making difficult decisions.
- Big Picture Vision: Is open minded and objective, assesses implications and consequences, and values intergovernmental and interagency relationships.
- Stewardship: Recognizes the need for sustainability in organizational activities, processes, systems and programs, and seeks to establish a corporate legacy that respects community interests.
- Public Engagement: Respects the principles of good governance by listening to the ideas and concerns of citizens and engaging the public through established channels of consultation.
LGLA’s core competencies were determined through a February 2006 brainstorming session attended by provincial government, partner agencies, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Executive and staff, &and local government education sector representatives. The competencies were confirmed through a Civic Leadership Questionnaire administered at UBCM’s Chief Elected Official Forum in May 2006, and with the full UBCM membership in June 2006. (Core Competencies Report, p. 2-3, s. Initial LGLA Workshop & p. 5, s. Validation of Core
Competencies)
Certificate FAQs
What is the Local Government Leadership Academy?
The Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) is a leadership development initiative that serves local government and First Nations elected officials and senior administrators throughout the province of British Columbia by improving the competencies needed to effectively lead and manage B.C.’s communities.
What is the purpose of the LGLA Certificate Program?
The LGLA Certificate Program is designed to support and encourage elected officials to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge through quality education tailored to their needs. The certificates are only available to elected officials.
What are the types of certificates offered through this program?
There are three types of certificates:
- Level 1: Certificate in Local Government Leadership. Establishes a basic level of knowledge, skills, and abilities that newly elected officials required during their first term of office.
- Level 2: Advanced Certificate in Local Government Leadership. Augments the competency gained by a returning elected official with additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be used in service to the community.
- Level 3: Certificate of Excellence in Local Government Leadership. Acknowledges the competency gained by experienced elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills.
How long will it take for me to qualify for an LGLA Certificate?
The Certificate Program is designed so that newly elected officials can complete their qualifications for a Level 1 Certificate within one term of office.
Returning elected official can complete their qualifications for a Level 2 Certificate within two or more terms of office, and earn the Level 3 Certificates within three or more terms of office.
What are the benefits of earning the LGLA Certificates?
- You are gaining knowledge, skills and abilities directly related to your role in governance and leadership. Often people are not familiar with the complete mandate and operations of local government prior to being elected. It is a steep learning curve for newly elected officials. Taking courses which lead to certification ensures that you have the information you need to govern confidently. Your community will benefit from your increased understanding of both the big picture and the fine details of local governance.
- You are no longer just attending select educational programs at the various events you attend, but are now working towards a certificate that demonstrates your desire to learn. The public expects its elected officials to be the best that they can be. The certificate is proof to all that you are committed to being knowledgeable and competent in the area of governance.
- Your efforts to increase your knowledge, skills and abilities are recognized by your peers.
How do you know what courses I have taken?
The LGLA asks that you complete an online application form which lists the information that is needed to make a determination whether to award a certificate. When you submit the application, you are authorizing LGLA to contact the organizations that have sponsored the courses you’ve listed for consideration, if necessary.
Which LGLA courses qualify for LGLA Certificates?
Any course offered by LGLA, by LGLA in conjunction with partner associations (such as Area Associations and UBCM) qualify towards LGLA Certificates.
View a total list of approved courses.
Do I have to take all of my courses through LGLA to qualify for a certificate?
No. You can include educational courses that you attend which are sponsored by local government organizations associated with LGLA. View the full list of organizations and their courses which are pre-approved for the LGLA Certificate.
What if I have taken courses with an organization that is not on the pre-approved list?
At this time, LGLA will not consider these courses as fulfilling the eligibility requirements for the Certificate Program, unless the organization has partnered with LGLA to offer the course in question.
Do sessions I attend at a UBCM Convention count towards my certificate?
It depends on which sessions you attend. LGLA will recognize 7.5 hours towards a LGLA Certificate for the following UBCM sessions:
- Educational sessions, clinics or workshops including study sessions and concurrent clinics.
- Any early morning clinic or concurrent workshop which is part of the Annual Convention program.
Why does LGLA only count some of the time spent at UBCM Convention towards an LGLA Certificate?
LGLA’s mandate and focus is on providing educational opportunities for elected officials to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities in specific core competencies. While the Convention does offer educational sessions which focus on those specific core competencies, the Convention’s program is also focused on advocacy and policy development. These focuses are a part of your role and responsibilities as an elected official, but they are not part of LGLA’s mandate.
Once I earn my LGLA Certificate, do I have to take additional courses to maintain my certification?
No, but LGLA actively encourages you to keep learning by taking courses even after you have obtained your Level 3 Certificate.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about the LGLA Certificate program?
The staff at the LGLA will be pleased to answer any of your questions. The general office email address is info@lgla.ca and the phone number is 778.800.9952. You can also Contact Us here.