1. ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Let’s share some good practice and new ideas to help you enjoy your role in the civic office!

2. Introductions – Absolute Beginners Workshop by: Irene Webster Civic Officer - Scarborough BC Alasdair Ross Civic Affairs Manager Aberdeen City Council

3. Introductions and Expectations What we hope to achieve from the Workshop Identify different roles (administrative and uniformed staff) – tell us what you want to achieve Support Needs for the Civic Head/Roles and Responsibilities Working with an Elected Member (as opposed to a senior officer) Civic Protocols and Procedure Manuals (Civic Ceremonial our bible by the great Mr Paul Millward)

4. Technology can be your best friend - The Electronic Office! Diary Management Production of the Weekly Diary Sheets E-briefings Proformas : standard letters/forms Use of Social Media Websites (information/promotion)

5. Support Mechanisms Don’t try to conquer the earth! Know your budget limitations and work within them Support from your colleagues and Communications Office (media/promotion and pubic relations) Support from your line manager/Chief Executive and Leader NACO (website and electronic mail – just ask) Working as a team with uniformed staff Induction/Training for new Uniformed Staff –Introductions/Protocols/Chains/Transport/Diary of events

6. Expectations from the Civic Head Initial Meeting with your Civic Head (their hopes for the year) Training/Induction : both Civic Head of yourself! (Procedure Manuals) Scoring of Invitations Use of Civic Car (read the contract document) Mayor/Chairman’s “Theme” (Link to the Council’s Key Objectives) Civic Awards Charity Work Events (break into groups and share ideas) - Feedback

7. Networking Make connections with the local community – Get to know them (keep a list of contacts – they can help you in many ways) Friends Groups Partnership Working (local businesses/voluntary groups/Rotary etc) Make sure you know your “patch” (have a drive around with the chauffeur and work together) NACO

8. What Did You Learn Today? What Was Helpful? Any Questions? Does Anyone Want to Share Any Brilliant Tips? Was there anything that we didn’t cover? Thank you for choosing our Workshop – copies of documents available and can be emailed