HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-30-1997 - 8g 1
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Orange County
Board of Commissioners
Action Agenda Item Abstract
Meeting Date: June 30, 1997
Action Agenda
Item No. Q..Q
Subject: Writing and Presentation Training Agreement
Department: Personnel Public Hearing: Yes No_X
Budget Amendment
Needed: Yes No X
Attachment(s): Information Contact:
Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director
Memorandum of Agreement with Extension 2550
Dr. Catherine Smith, Ph.D.
Telephone Number:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 227-2031
Purpose: To improve the quality of written materials and oral information
provided to elected officials and citizens for decision-making by:
• Developing written guidelines for Orange County's written
communications and oral presentations and
• Providing training to department heads on effective writing and
presentations.
Background: There is an ongoing need to make public information and public
meetings more "public-friendly." One aspect of providing a "public
friendly" environment is for knowledgeable staff to be able to clearly
and accurately report on policy issues.
To facilitate the public communication process, it is proposed that
the County develop written communication guidelines for staff, build
a shared understanding of these communication guidelines among
department heads and staff through additional discussion and
training and provide for additional skill development in written
communications and oral presentations for County Department
Heads.
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County staff members met with Dr. Catherine Smith, Ph.D. an
English professor and consultant to discuss the needs in this area.
Dr. Smith's consulting company, Conceptual Tools, Inc. is based in
Chapel Hill and she has extensive experience working with the
Federal Government in the area of written and oral communication.
Dr. Smith has agreed to:
• Develop draft communication guidelines for writing and
presentations in consultation with Orange County staff.
• Conduct a two day pilot training program for 12 selected staff on
"Governing Well By Communicating Well." The objectives of the
training program are to:
• Test and finalize the draft communication guidelines
for staff.
• Develop skills in writing and speaking for the purpose
of improving public communication.
The total cost for the development of the communication guidelines,
development and delivery of the pilot training program for 12 staff,
and training program materials is $5300. Funds are available in the
1997-98 budget.
Following the development of guidelines and pilot training program,
Personnel Director Elaine Holmes and Personnel Analyst Eleanor
Green will provide training to the remaining Department Heads and
selected County staff on the communication guidelines in order to
systematically communicate these. Once County staff members
have had an opportunity to apply the guidelines, Personnel will
assess additional skill development needs and develop additional
training based on the identified needs.
Recommendation: The Manager recommends the Board authorize the Board Chair to
sign the attached Memorandum of Agreement with Dr. Catherine
Smith of Conceptual Tools, Inc.
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Attachment
Memorandum of Agreement
Training Agreement between Dr. Catherine Smith, Ph.D. and
Orange County
This Memorandum of Agreement outlines the agreement between Dr. Catherine Smith, Ph.D.
and Orange County to provide writing and presentation training to Orange County employees.
1. Dr. Smith will draft written guidelines for written communication and oral presentation
in Orange County government in consultation with selected County staff.
2. Dr. Smith will provide a two-day seminar"Governing Well by Communicating Well"
focused on oral presentation and writing skills, for 12 participants before September 30,
1997, at a mutually agreeable date between Dr. Smith and Orange County.
3. Dr. Smith will provide course design,materials and instructors for the training session.
The course design provides for two instructors on the first day of training to provide more
individualized feedback.
4. Orange County will provide a location for the training which provides for a smaller
breakout room with adequate space for small group work and videotaping, and
refreshments for two breaks during each day of training.
5. Orange County will provide the use of two video cameras,two VCRs and monitors and
access to computers and printers for use by participants as training materials for the class.
6. Orange County will pay Dr. Smith a fee of $5300 for development of the written
guidelines, development and instruction of the two-day training session, and participant
materials for 12 participants. Payment will be made to Dr. Catherine Smith within 30
days of completion of the training program..
SIGNED:
Dr. Catherine Smith, Ph.D. William Crowther, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Date Date