We are currently running an extensive training programme
specifically designed for local authorities on a range of topical
issues and are able to provide this training in-house for you at
your offices.
We also prepare and delivery bespoke training based on our
clients' specific needs so if there are topics you would like
training on which are not mentioned below please do contact
Mike
Kendall, head of our Local government group on
mike.kendall@bllaw.co.uk or
call him on 023 9253 0490
"Excellent,
knowledgeable speakers who have disseminated complex information in
a helpful, relevant and engaging manner",
Northampton Borough
Council
Our current local authority training programme includes:
intellectual property issues for local authorities, including
trademarks and branding
In our experience most local authority lawyers are unaware of
the potential steps for protecting the council's position and
challenging the use by others of brand names created by council
services. Case studies from advice given to other councils will be
included. Trading Standards and other legal enforcement officers
will also be interested in action that can be taken against
counterfeit traders supplying fake goods purporting to be
well-known brands.
planning and environmental issues, including Community
Infrastructure Levy, and Climate Change
We have previously included detailed examinations of the
proposals for Community Infrastructure Levy, and will revise that
presentation in the light of the new Coalition Governments
proposals (the Conservative Party having said in its manifesto that
it intended to abolish CIL). We review the Coalition Governments
overall proposals for planning, and include a detailed presentation
on Climate Change. We can combine this with a detailed presentation
on bias and predetermination in the planning decision making
process, particularly with reference to the LG A "Probity in
Planning" Guide.
mediation in the work place and current employment issues
We review the possible uses of mediation including its
increasing use in the workplace, within disciplinary and grievance
procedures. We can include practical sessions on skills needed for
mediation within local government and usually include a review of
current employment law topics, including the Coalition Governments
proposals for amending existing legislation.
procurement for public bodies
The Remedies Directive as implemented in the UK from December
2009, presents local authorities with much greater challenges from
unsuccessful tenderers, than has hitherto been the case. The
seminar will explore how local authorities can protect their
position, and would include presentations on other "hot topics"
including European and UK case law on extending existing
contractual arrangements, and contracts with subsidiary companies
or through joint arrangements with other local authorities.
Freedom of Information Data Protection Act, Environmental
Information Regulations, and the Audit Commission Act
2009 saw a major burst of judicial activity both in the High
Court and the Information Tribunal, on exemptions under The Freedom
of Information Act and its relationship with the Data Protection
Act, and similar provisions under the Environmental Information
Regulations. The presentation will review case law and present
practical advice on how to steer information officers and data
protection officers between the different pieces of legislation.
The seminar will also have particular local government twist with
reference to The Audit Commission Act and important developments in
the High Court relating to the inspection of local authority
accounts. Our presentations are designed for practitioners (whether
lawyers or information officers). We have also developed seminars
for frontline staff, called "An Introduction to Freedom of
Information and Data Protection".
Proceeds of Crime Act: Regulation of Investigatory Powers
Act
POCA is increasing in importance for local government, as powers
are extended to local authorities to retain a substantial
proportion of sums recovered in criminal proceedings. RIPA will be
of particular interest to Monitoring Officers and those responsible
for surveillance arrangements within the local authority, and for
dealing with inspections by the Commissioner.
judicial review/vires issues for local government
This is both a technical review of the procedural aspects of
judicial review, and a summary of the main topics of interest to
those advising local authorities on their powers (a topic likely to
be of interest in view of the Coalition Government's commitment to
introduce a general power of competence for local government).
code of conduct/bias and predetermination
A review of the Code designed for both elected members and
officers, illustrated by reference to High Court decisions and
those of the First Tier Tribunal (Standards in England, formerly
the Adjudication Panel for England). We can include practical
scenarios for "workshop" sessions, as a way of ensuring an
interactive format on some of the practical difficulties likely to
arise. We will review their Code in the light of the Coalition
Governments proposals to abolish Standards for England. We can
combine this if required with a presentation on bias and
predetermination.
