This initiative concerns the monitoring of a graded training program of supplementary education (E-Learning) that leads to the granting of a Training Certificate (ECVET 4 Units). The program of study is approved and corresponds to certified professional outlines, which implies that there is an absolute correlation of the knowledge acquired by the trainees with the subject of their work in the municipality. The specific program with the thematic units it includes, was deemed suitable for the training of the municipality's employees, so that they acquire skills for the effective performance of their duties.
In addition, they developed a number of skills for carrying out procedures where a combination of knowledge and skills is required in order to respond to the rapid developments taking place in public administration and to participate more actively in the reorganization of the services provided. It is imperative, due to the transformation of the public administration and in particular the local government which is called upon to improve its services adapted to the new needs of the local society by implementing practices harmonized with the pillars of development of the public administration, that the training of municipal employees should include educational material for all the basic areas of operation of the municipality in order to respond with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Subject of thematic units:
- Human resources management - structures and work methods - changes in the Organizational Structure:
- Strategic leadership. Culture. Morality. Incentives. Participation in the procedures and planning of actions. Judgment. Work methods for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Push for the development and evolution of human resources.
- Human Resources Management for Local Government.
Curriculum topics:
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Development of Personal Skills
- Organizational Leadership and Culture
Organization and Administration of Municipalities, Operational Planning:
Internal control. Regulatory and administrative framework for the operation of municipalities. Operational planning that will be based on the current operating data of the municipalities and the responsibilities they are called upon to exercise in light of the developments and conditions that shape the needs of the local community. Identification of weaknesses and problems and potential solutions in order to make policies for the benefit of the administration and the governed. Partnerships at local and regional level that will drive growth and organizational change. Reorganization of organic units, change of procedures, reconstruction of structures, financial planning, utilization of financial tools.
2. Management of Organizations.
Curriculum topics:
- Local Government Administration and Operational Strategy
- Internal control
- Regulatory compliance
- Administrative Law & Institutions
3. Finances of Municipalities:
Budget issues (purpose, schedule, registration criteria, etc.). Income and expense management. Evaluation of accounting data and monitoring of budget execution to take measures and avoid risks and make decisions for proper financial management. Accounting procedures (asset register, warehouse, balance sheet, property, etc.). Follow up on obligations and required actions. Project management, planning, organization, control and evaluation.
Financial Management for Local Authorities.
Curriculum topics:
- Basic Principles of Accounting
- Administrative Accounting for OTAs
- Project Finance
- Project Management
Electronic Government - utilization of TIC[2]:
The contribution of information systems during the planning, approval and implementation of policies, actions and individual e-government projects, which brings about savings for the Public Administration and a reduction of burdens for the citizen and the business. The role of information systems interoperability in automated data and information exchange. The aim is to serve the citizen through automated procedures in receiving the final product of the requested service. The accessibility of public websites for all citizens, without exclusions and integration into existing websites. Implementation of GDPR regulation to safeguard the security of the information held, systems and networks, processes and infrastructure.
4. Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Curriculum topics:
- Basic principles of IT and Networks
- Electronic Government and Information Systems
- Big Data Management
- Ιmplementation of the GDPR Regulation
Employees of all municipal services who are University/TEI graduates[3] and High School graduates were eligible to participate. In particular for High School graduates (who by definition have reduced opportunities to utilize Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning programs), they were given the opportunity to attend specialized training programs and acquire specialized knowledge, the possibility of accessing high quality educational material. The purpose of the training program was achieved, namely the development of strategic thinking, critical thinking skills and the ability to actively participate.
In the art. 54 of Law 3584/2007 (Municipal and Community Employees’ Code) states that the service is obliged to provide training for its employees throughout their careers, regardless of their category, branch, specialty and grade. The training can be general or take the form of specialization in subjects of the employee's service. The action in question was designed and implemented taking into account that in IN.EP[4], there is no training program title during the period up to 12/31/2021 that includes the modules mentioned, except individually and therefore the official ones the training needs of the Municipality's employees on the mentioned teaching modules (in their entirety) as mentioned herein cannot be covered within the educational activities of the Training Institute.
Besides, the fact that the Training Institute (INEP) has as its mission the information and special training of public sector employees, does not imply that the OTAs do not have the possibility of delegating the execution of employee training programs to other bodies, provided that they have as their object the organization of training seminars and offer a guarantee that satisfactory training will be provided to the participants in the above training seminars (El. Co. Dept. 1 Act 21/ 2006)[5].
[2] It refers to technology of information and Communication (in Greek ΤΠΕ).
[3] TEI refers to ex-technological institutes that today are considered equal to university studies, from the time they became universities by law. From now on, old graduates from TEI are considered university graduates
[4] It is a Training Institute for Public Employees (in Greek ΙΝΕΠ), that belongs to the National Center of Public Administration and Decentralization (In Greek ΕΚΔΔΑ). INEP is responsible for drawing up, organizing and executing training programs for public sector employees.
[5] See in Greek Ελ. Συν Τμ. 1 Πράξη 21/2006.
