Councillor development

Supporting 21st Century leadership – political leadership development for councillors and leaders

Inspiring local communities and creating a better future for the people and places we represent takes ambitious leadership. The next generation of local government will be leading through unprecedented times. We believe councillors have a central role to play in:

• building civil society
• making tough decisions
• devolving power to local people
• promoting fairness
• tackling inequality.  

Councillors are crucial to our shared vision for local government – efficient, accountable, reliable and changing lives for the better. So now more than ever we need to ensure our members are bold and ambitious leaders, equipped to tackle these challenges: reinvigorating local governance, ensuring strong democratic accountability, supporting local government to make a difference, deliver and be trusted.

Effective political leadership is at the heart of effective democracy. We are committed to supporting and developing the councillors on whose shoulders this rests. Right from those at the very beginning of their political careers, through to experienced sector-leading politicians – encouraging the skill acquisition, networking and innovation required to benefit and improve the entire sector.

We have a range of opportunities to support members in their changing role and throughout their career. We foster strong alumni networks to encourage the development of new ideas and provide a space for innovation to thrive.