Purpose of the Session:

To strengthen councillors’ confidence, influence, and effectiveness in meetings by developing practical questioning and communication techniques that enhance decision-making, scrutiny, and collaboration.

Content of the Session

• Understand the dynamics of effective meetings
• Enhance personal impact and presence in meetings
• Use questioning techniques to influence and scrutinise effectively
• Apply active listening and follow-up questioning skills
• Manage challenging interactions in meetings
• Develop a personal action plan and reflection

Session Facilitator

Anne Brinkhoff is a results-focused, former local government director with proven experience in scoping, leading and facilitating organisational transformation.  She is a well-respected and credible leader, partnership and relationship builder with excellent organisational and communication abilities and political astuteness, backed up by practical application of creative problem solving and systems thinking skills.

She has worked with a range of public and commercial sector organisations including the LGA and Audit Commission as well as several local authorities both on an employed and freelance basis. She has extensive experience of delivering bespoke training and development across a range of leadership and systems thinking programmes as well as being a qualified and experienced Executive Coach.

Cost of Session

EMC Members – £80.00 + VAT per person
£90.00 + VAT per person for Associate Members; and
£110.00 + VAT per person for non-members.

Please ensure that you provide a purchase order number when booking, this can be obtained from your Democratic Services Team.

Deadline for booking: 11th May 2026

Contact Us – if you have any other questions regarding this session, please contact Mila – Mila.Pereira@emcouncils.gov.uk or Lisa – Lisa.butterfill@emcouncils.gov.uk