Employment of the CAO

This course equips municipal elected officials with the tools to build and maintain a strong, effective council-CAO relationship.  Exploring council’s employer role, legislative responsibilities and common governance challenges, participants will gain practical skills to support accountability, performance and long-term organizational success.

What is covered in Employment of the CAO?

Foundations of the Council-CAO Relationship

  • Understand council’s legal authority & limitations under the MGA
  • Define the distinct roles of council, the CAO and administration
  • Explore professional boundaries that support effective governance
  • Recognize practices that build trust & respect

Performance Management & Development

  • Understand council’s role in evaluating CAO performance
  • Define effective feedback and goal setting practices
  • Explore approaches to professional develpment & accountability
  • Recognize factors that support retention & performance

Recruitment & Hiring of the CAO

  • Understand council’s responsibilities throughout recruitment & hiring
  • Define CAO competencies, experience and organizational fit
  • Explore fiar, transparent & compliant hiring processes.
  • recognize key legal & governance considerations

Managing CAO Transitions

  • Understand retention & succession planning considerations
  • Define council’s role during leadership transitions
  • Explore appropriate & compliant departure processes
  • Recognize impacts on organizational stability & culture

Setting the CAO up for Success

  • Understand how council behaviour influences the CAO relationship
  • Define approriate conduct withing the collective employer role
  • Explore practical tools that support consistency and accountability
  • Recognize council’s role in setting the tone for success

Governance in Practice

  • Apply governance disciplin in day-today council conduct
  • Recognize early warning signs of relationship strain
  • Explore tools that support consistency and accountability
  • Demonstrate professional, collective employer behaviour
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