Course Description

This course aims to help councillors to consider a range of questioning techniques and develop the skills and knowledge to be more effective in their questioning across different settings.

Overview of Course Content

Understanding the potential of questioning

• Principles of questioning
• Types of questions

Good communication practices

• Guiding principles of vocal and visual communication
• Barriers to effective listening
•  Active listening

Questions

• Questioning witnesses
• Things to avoid
• Structuring questions
• Preparing to ask questions

Taking the learning forward

• Developing a questioning plan incorporating learning from the session on an upcoming work programme topic or current deep dive activities

Facilitator
Kirsty Hunt, Governance, Development and Consultancy Manager

Kirsty joined SEE with over 20 years’ experience in local government, having previously worked as a Democratic Services Manager and governance lead. She is skilled in navigating politically sensitive environments and supporting councillors through complex and challenging situations.

An ACAS-trained mediator, Kirsty uses strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to build trust and foster constructive relationships. She has extensive experience in governance policy, scrutiny, and political protocol development, and has led councillor development strategies that improve outcomes and shift organisational culture.

Kirsty is adept at interpreting legislation, supporting constitutional updates, and creating accessible toolkits and training to promote good governance. She has delivered complex projects including major electoral events, remote meeting implementation, and councillor ICT refresh programmes—balancing technical delivery with cultural change and clear communication.

Kirsty Hunt: Biography – South East Employers

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: 18th June 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