Certificate FAQs
Certificate FAQs
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.