News Archive

Town Hall Information Session on the Updated LGMA Records and Information Management Manual May 30, 1:30 - 3:00 P.M. The 6th edition of the LGMA’s Records and Information Management Manual will soon be available for pre-sale! In anticipation, the LGMA is hosting a complimentary town hall session with four of the experts responsible for review and updates of the manual. The town hall will be held virtually on May 30th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. For the first hour of the session, each panelist will provide a brief presentation summarizing their updates and contributions to the 6th Edition. Attendees can pre-submit questions for the panelists here , or live during the session. Sharon Byrch, who developed the Excel version of the manual’s records classification and retention schedules first introduced in 2017, will provide a mini workshop on the use of this tool. Registration is complimentary but required for the town hall session . The Townhall Panelists: Stuart Rennie , MLIS, JD, FAI, is a Lawyer and Information Governance and Records Management Consultant. Stuart specializes in records management, privacy and freedom of information, law reform, public policy and information governance law. He is a Fellow of ARMA International. Since 2020, he has been a voting member and legal advisor to the Canadian General Standard Board’s Committee on Electronic Records and Image Management for the National Standard of Canada, Electronic Records as Documentary Evidence (CAN/CGSB-72.34:2024). Since 2006, he has been the co-author of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia Records Management Manual For Local Government In British Columbia (LGMA RIM Manual). He is the co-author with Bobbi Bishop of the LGMA RIM Manual (6 th edition, 2024). Bobbi Bishop is an Information Governance and Records Management Consultant and project manager. She is also a licensed private investigator. She provides consulting advice for local governments, public bodies, professional associations, societies, corporations and First Nations to create phased RIM programs. She provides clients with RIM coaching and training. With Stuart Rennie, she is a member of the expert panel appointed by Self-Governing Indigenous Governments where she provides advice on RIM and data governance. Also with Stuart Rennie, she is a co-author of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia Records Management Manual For Local Government In British Columbia (6 th edition, 2024). Sharon Byrch is the Manager of Information Services at the Capital Regional District (CRD) in Victoria, BC. Sharon has worked in local government for over two decades. She started volunteering for the LGMA in 2014 as a member of their FOIPPA and Records Management (RM) Committee, and later served as Co-Chair (2020-2021) and Chair (2022). She was an advisor for the 2015, 2017, and 2024 editions of the LGMA RM manual, and often delivers RM training for the LGMA. Sharon created the Excel version of the RM manual's records classification and retention schedules for the 5 th , 2017 Edition of the Manual, which has been reviewed and updated for this 6 th 2024 Edition. Adriana Proton is the Manager of Legislative Services for the City of Courtenay. She has been a Corporate Officer for more than ten years and is the current Chair of the LGMA FOIPPA and Records Management Committee. Adriana holds a Master of Public Administration degree, Board of Examiners certificate in Local Government Statutory Administration, and she is a Certified Records Manager. Adriana is one of the three Committee members who volunteered their time and expertise to review the draft 6 th Edition of the Manual after the Legal updates were completed. Her ruthless attention to detail is evident in the overall quality of the manual. Adriana has worked for municipalities as small as 440 people and has gratefully relied on the LGMA and its manuals throughout her career.

LGMA 2024 Pre-Conference Workshops In conjunction with the 2024 LGMA Annual Conference, don’t miss this incredible selection of full and half-day pre-conference workshops taking place on June 11! Workshop registration is separate from general conference registration and you don’t have to attend the full conference to register for these engaging workshops. Approving Officers Workshop This annual workshop will address a number of fundamental issues and provide practical advice related to the approval of subdivisions. The program will consist of both plenary sessions on topics of common interest for all Approving Officers working in BC local governments, as well as breakouts for more in-depth discussions on specified topics. In addition, the interactive format will include facilitated discussion where participants can present issues, share best practices, and benefit from peer-to-peer learning. View the detailed agenda a nd register online . Communication & Engagement Professionals Forum Join us for a one-day session packed with tips and tools on building community awareness and support for local government services. Keep current with best practices in information sharing and connecting with the people we serve, and take this opportunity to build support networks with peers! Topics will include emergency communications, Indigenous relations, how to better highlight local government’s impact on communities, and more to help increase the effectiveness of your organization’s communications efforts. View the detailed forum agenda and register online . Change Your Frame, Enhance Your Success As people and as local government professionals, we live and work in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. To continue to achieve the results that are expected of us, we must adapt our ways of doing things to meet the challenges of that world. Doing so requires that we expand our development beyond technical skills. If you are a CAO or aspiring CAO, a senior leader or aspiring senior leader, and if you are curious and open to self-reflection, this hands-on workshop will appeal to you. Three very knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled facilitators will introduce you to five leadership capacities that lay the foundation required for your success as a local government leader. Then, they will illustrate the effectiveness of the capacities in equipping you to handle three complex contemporary local government issues: asymmetrical relationships and role clarity; incivility and conflict; and team and individual priorities. Concepts and information on best practices will be balanced by case studies and group discussions. Register online . Do As I Be, Not As I Say: Shifting from Performative to Authentic Leadership Authenticity is essential for inclusive environments but how do you show up vulnerably when every cell in your body says DANGER? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to create brave spaces for leaders and followers to show up authentically so that everyone is seen, heard and valued for who they truly are. With a mix of 1-1 dyads and circle conversations participants will create agreements that foster trust while deepening their understanding of themselves and the other as leaders through storytelling. Participants will cultivate authentic leadership skills of intentionality, curiosity, listening and humility that are key for building cross-cultural relationships, inclusive workplaces and leading the change efforts needed today. No performing necessary. Come as you are to realize the authentic power you have when you show up as you truly are. Register online .

Member Award Nominations Now Open with New Award Categories Introduced! The LGMA Member Awards are now open for nominations! This year, we are looking to celebrate the many achievements of our members and have introduced two new categories that further complement existing LGMA Member Awards: • Most Impactful New Professional Award, celebrating the accomplishment, dedication, and spirit of a new professional working in local government under 5 years, and • Regional Chapter Award, recognizing excellence in supporting local government professionals within their region. Do you know of a local government colleague who has exemplified professional leadership, innovation or community and volunteer service recently? You are encouraged to nominate your colleagues in the profession who are deserving of such recognition. Review the Membership Policy (section 3, Awards for Members) to see all awards categories and submit your nomination before May 5. Award winners will be announced on June 13 at our 2024 Annual Conference Awards Ceremony.

Scholarship applications now open! This year, the LGMA is opening applications for our 2024 scholarships early! A wide range of scholarships are available for people pursuing studies in various facets of government and public policy and more. Scholarships include: - BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship - Distinguished Members Legacy Fund Scholarship - Grant Anderson Commemorative Scholarship - Ken Dobell Public Service Education Fund Review the 2024 Scholarship Brochure for information and scholarship criteria. Visit LGMA | Scholarships to access all application forms and submit your applications for the BC First Nations Scholarship, Ken Dobell, Distinguished Members, and Grant Anderson scholarships by October 4, 2024.

Records and Information Management Month, 2024 Having trouble coming up with an idea to celebrate Records and Information Management Month this April? Records and Information Management (RIM) Month, is celebrated worldwide in April each year. Many records and information managers in local government organizations use this opportunity to raise awareness and educate staff and leadership about the importance of information management through creative, unique promotions within their organization. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively. Through the actions of members of ARMA (the Association of Records Managers and Administrators), Records and Information Management Month was first recognized in 1995 as National Records and Information Management Day. The goal was to draw attention to the importance of renewing the US Paperwork Reduction Act. ARMA International organized a luncheon in Washington, D.C. as part of the celebrations, with members of Congress and the executive branch in attendance. The observance grew in scope over time and Records and Information Management Month is now celebrated globally each year in April. Last year, members of the LGMA’s FOI, Privacy and Records Management Committee provided a curated selection of promotional ideas they used to attract the attention of staff and raise the awareness of good records and information management. This year not only will the LGMA be publishing the 6 th edition of our Records and Information Manual in April, we are also providing a few more new promotional ideas below to help get your creative juices flowing. ______________________________________________________________________ Robyn Biggar, Manager of Records and Information Management, City of Port Coquitlam Even AI has something to learn about Records Management this month: It’s not all paper and naming conventions. With the information field evolving, we need to consider the generally accepted recordkeeping principles in our use of technology: Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, Protection, Compliance, Availability, Retention, and Disposition. How can we confirm the integrity of AI-generated outputs? How do we protect personal information AI may use (and potentially breach)? Reflect this RIM Month on how your organization uses technology and information that is consistent with the principles (and broader legislative framework). The topic of AI is on the minds of almost every local government staff member, most particularly those involved in technical assessments, privacy management and records and information management. It’s not only of concern, but it is also being assessed to build tools to streamline processes and reduce budget needs. Given this level of interest, Robyn input the following prompt into an AI image generator: “An image of someone who has accomplished perfect records management, streamlined information processes, and ideal organization of data for optimal organizational value.” The resulting generated image is here:

Member Spotlight on Stephen Fleming

Introducing LGMA 2024 Annual Conference Keynote Speaker Doug Griffiths

Introducing LGMA 2024 Annual Conference Keynote Speaker Riaz Meghji

Travel Grants Available for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government professionals travelling to the following 2024 LGMA in-person training or events: CAO Forum - February 20-22, Vancouver MATI® Successful CAO - February 23-28, Salt Spring Island MATI® Advanced Communication - April 14-19, Salt Spring Island MATI® Managing People - May 5-10, Salt Spring Island Annual Conference - June 11-13, Victoria Approving Officers Workshop - June 11, Victoria Communication Officers Forum -June 11, Victoria Corporate Officers Forum - October 2-4, Kelowna MATI® Leadership - October 20-25, Parksville Admin Professionals Conference - October 23-25, Victoria To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available for each program and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue, with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. Selection will take place once the program registration has closed (typically one week out from the program) and LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. For information on how to apply, please see the specific program brochure. Thank you to Lidstone & Company for providing this funding to support local government staff in accessing in-person training.