Our political leadership development programmes support and develop councillors to help ensure that our local politicians are confident and capable.
Access our full leadership offer via the boxes at the bottom of this webpage.
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Councillor development resources
Learning and development for councillors is vital for councils to deliver what our communities need. At the heart of healthy local democracy is effective political leadership – with councillors who are well-equipped, supported, resilient, and confident to make a difference. We have collated a range of good practice resources relating to councillor development, drawn from councils across England.
In this section:
Be a councillor area
Everything you need to know if you're considering becoming a councillor - what councils and councillors do, what you will need to do to take your first steps and all about the role and the support you can expect.
Councillor development events – 'Focus on Leadership' series
Our 'Focus on Leadership' councillor development events are designed to support councillors to excel in their existing roles and to provide them with a bridge to senior leadership positions.
Support for Disabled Councillors and Candidates
Councillors play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities and improving the quality of life of local people.
Community Leadership
In this section you will find e-Learning, workbooks the Member Development Charter, and more...
Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is the LGA's flagship development programme for councillors in leadership positions. The programme is recognised by The Institute of Leadership, the UK's leading award winning body for leadership and management.
Leadership Essentials
'Leadership Essentials' is a series of series of programmes and workshops’ designed as themed learning opportunities for councillors. Each event concentrates on a specific portfolio or service area or a specific theme.
Councillor e-learning
Expand your political leadership skills with our free e-learning platform for councillors.
One-to-one coaching for councillors
Coaching provides a powerful reflective space for councillors to grow and develop as leaders. Our highly effective coaching programme offers councillors free one-to-one coaching sessions focused on personal leadership development.
Next Generation
Our Next Generation programme offers ambitious and talented councillors an unparalleled political development opportunity – it's uniquely developed within party political traditions and with party political experts.
The Leader's programme
The Leaders' Programme is a modular cross-party leadership development opportunity designed around the needs of council leaders.
Top Team Development
A development opportunity for the council's senior political leadership team, delivered in situ, and helping to improve strategic direction and leadership to the council and wider community.