Financial Governance 101 Workshop Outline
Workshop Outline Programme An introduction to financial governance for New Zealand local government elected representatives. Programme overview: Time Duration Topic 9:30 10:00 30 mins Introduction and Housekeeping 10:00-11:15 75 mins Session One: Basic Governance 11:15 11:30 15 mins Morning tea 11:30 12:30 60 mins Session One, continued: Basic Governance, continued 12:30 1:15 45 mins Session Two: 1:15 1:45 30 mins Lunch Long-term Assets 1:45 3:30 105 mins Session Three: 3:30 3:45 15 mins Afternoon tea 3:45 4:45 60 mins Session Four: Policies for Governance, Long-term Funding, LTP Financial Choice in Action 4:45 5:00 15 mins Session Five: Summary, Evaluation and Wrap-up Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 2 of 7
Session One: Basic Governance To understand the relationship of financial information to planning and the LTP process. 135 minutes By reviewing aspects of their own council s LTP and annual financial statements, elected members will become more familiar with using financial information to aid decision-making. In particular they will be able to: Identify key information in the various council reports and plans Appreciate the impact of policy decisions on financial position Understand the relationships between financial information Distinguish between cash and accrual information Understand the assumptions behind the financial information presented. Continued on next page Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 3 of 7
Session Two: Long-term Assets To gain an understanding of a number of issues influencing balance sheet management. 45 minutes Most councils spend large amounts of money on buying and building, operating and maintaining assets which are expected to provide service for many years. It is important for Councillors to understand the concepts that underlie these activities so that they are more likely to make better financial decisions. The focus is on ensuring Councillors understand: Key parts of the process Terminology The flexibility Councillors can exercise Key information that should precede decisions. Continued on next page Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 4 of 7
Session Three: Policies for Governance, Long-term Funding, LTP objectives: To understand the relevance of financial policies and information to the LTP process To appreciate the key legislative requirements and how they are fulfilled 105 minutes This session contains 3 areas that Councillors should consider when approaching financial choices. A discussion will take place covering the following important concepts: Policy Aspects Funding Matters Decisions in Creating the LTP. Continued on next page Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 5 of 7
Session Four: Financial Choice in Action This Session contains a case study on how to use financial information to proceed to a decision. 60 minutes Identifying information that may be relevant to such a decision. Debating and evaluating the information presented. Using the information presented and obtained to come to a decision. Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 6 of 7
Session Five: Summary, Evaluation and Wrap-up To reflect on today s learning 15 minutes This activity requires the facilitator to wrap-up the day, including: Tying up any loose ends that have remained parked from earlier in the day Reviewing expectations and concerns Asking participants to complete their evaluation forms. Local Government New Zealand - October 2010 V4 Page 7 of 7