COUNCILLORS could soon be taught a lesson or two on how to do their jobs better.

The proposed scheme, to be run by the University of Huddersfield, will see councillors go back to the classroom in a bid to fine-tune their public administration skills.

The only provider of a course for councillors at the moment is Bristol University, which offers a BTec Professional Award in Local Governance.

Discussions between the University and members of Barnsley and Kirklees Councils have paved the way for a project in the near future.

The university wants to develop a postgraduate certificate in Public Sector Modernisation, comprising four modules costing £277 each.

A council spokesperson said: "The University courses are just in the planning stages at the moment and the idea is just being put out there to see what the interest is from councillors.

"Today the councillor's job is much more complex and we are looking at ways to develop their knowledge and ensure they are effectively trained."

The course, to be funded by the council's training and development budget, will be discussed further at today's Business Managers sub-committee, with a view to being launched in June.