The LGA is introducing an expanded suite of leadership development offers as part of its newly launched sector support programme, which will include a dedicated curriculum for chief executive development.
The LGA is introducing an expanded suite of leadership development offers as part of its newly launched sector support programme, which will include a dedicated curriculum for chief executive development.
Developed in partnership with experienced chief executives and the sector, the LGA and Solace are developing a new framework, setting out the key knowledge, skills and behaviours for leadership excellence to underpin the new curriculum.
Longer term, the curriculum will inform a training package that covers the foundational elements of the chief executive role.
With almost a quarter of councils having appointed a new chief executive since July 2021, the LGA and Solace recognise the critical importance of ensuring they have access to the resources, training and development to support them in their roles.
This new package will support chief executives from day one of their appointment and beyond, covering the building blocks of running a council well – from their role as head of paid service, statutory responsibilities, governance and working as a chief executive in a political environment.
Over the coming months the LGA and Solace will continue to engage with chief executives, statutory officers and council leaders to ensure this programme reflects the views of the sector.
The new offers for chief executives form part of the wider Leadership support offered through the Sector Support grant, which includes a range of development opportunities for councillors at all stages of their political careers.
Cllr Brigid Jones, Deputy Chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said:
“Being a chief executive in local government is a unique, privileged position and the successful, capable people that manage councils play a crucial role in spreading opportunities and improving public services.
“The infinite variety of a career in local government is what makes it so special – but with that variety comes complexity and it’s important that the newly appointed chief executives are set up to succeed.
“Therefore, we are delighted to announce that we will be developing a curriculum and set of leadership standards of excellence to support chief executives.
“This will inform a new package of training and resources that encompasses wraparound support for chief executives from their appointment through to their ongoing professional development.”
Solace President Matt Prosser said: “Solace has long called for greater investment in local government leadership, especially at the most senior level, to complement the learning and development programmes aimed at directors of children and adult services so I am delighted we have been able to work with the LGA to deliver this exciting new programme for chief executives.
“The operating landscape in which we all work has never been more complex so it is crucial that all council chief executives are given access to the support they need to deliver for their organisations and their communities.
“We also hope that this exciting programme will provide a template for further investment in the local government leadership pipeline. The more we can do to ensure that future leaders in local authorities are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours, the readier they will be to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
