Local Government Association

We are the national voice of local government, working with councils to support, promote and improve

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Chris Poulton MRTPI, Environment Agency

The work I have always found most rewarding is delivering public good – whether that’s working on policies that will have a real impact on speeding up delivery of new infrastructure, delivering a programme to improve capabilities in local authorities, or in government agencies, or setting targets for new homes.

Shaza Brannon MRTPI, Rushcliffe Borough Council

Working in local government is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling; it can be a career for life and is not limited geographically. As local authority town planners, we perform a statutory function, tangibly shaping the place in which we work, for the benefit of our residents now and for future generations.

Dan Janota MRTPI, Natural England

I find it rewarding bringing my technical knowledge and experience to big picture thinking and my experience means I can put myself in local authority planners’ shoes as we reshape how we deliver nationally.

Rhianna Pankhurst, The Planning Inspectorate

What has kept me in the public sector is the sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes. I value being part of a system that aims to balance growth with community needs and long-term sustainability.

Chris King, CMLI, East Suffolk Council, June 2026

I enjoy having the ability to make a tangible difference to places and communities. We have a unique opportunity to influence how neighbourhoods evolve, helping to balance growth, environmental considerations and community needs. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding, with no two days ever being quite the same.

Next Generation programme – 2022/23 highlights

Our Next Generation programme offered ambitious and talented councillors political development opportunities developed within party political traditions and with party political experts.

Officer development – 2022/23 highlights

In 2022/23, we sponsored a range of officer development programmes, designed and delivered by Solace, for the sector’s rising stars, executive leaders and chief executives.

One Public Estate (OPE) – 2022/23 highlights

Our award-winning One Public Estate (OPE) programme supports locally led partnerships of public sector bodies to kickstart regeneration and transform public service delivery.

Partners in Care and Health – 2022/23 highlights

Our Partners in Care and Health programme supported councils to improve the way they deliver adult social care and public health services, helping Government to understand the challenges faced by the sector.

Peer challenges – 2022/23 highlights

Our highly valued peer challenges programme provided councils with effective insight, guidance, and challenge to enable continuous improvement.

Regional support – 2022/23 highlights

In 2022/23, our far-reaching regional support programme engaged with all 333 councils in England, helping to ensuring that councils had the support they needed to harness opportunities and address challenges.