LGLA Certificate
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)