Our councillor development offer will consist of a Councillor Transformation Network and a councillor training offer. The network will give councillors opportunities to discuss issues and trends effecting councils and hear from each other and guests. The training offer will aim to provide councillors with the skills to champion, lead and scrutinise transformation programmes within their local authority.
2026/27 Leadership Essentials - Transformation
We are currently developing our 2026/27 councillor training offer for Transformation.
Leadership Essentials – Transformation
The Local Government Association offers a range of leadership development programmes to support and develop local councillors. These programmes provide opportunities for councillors to network, reflect, learn, and challenge themselves. Part of our suite of development opportunities for local political leaders is 'Leadership Essentials', a series of events designed as themed learning opportunities that concentrate on a specific portfolio area.
For this year’s transformation programme, we will be running four two-day 'Leadership essentials' sessions on the subject of transformation. These sessions will give councillors the confidence, capability, and awareness to shape and lead the transformation agenda within their local authorities and local areas. It is also an opportunity to introduce any newly elected councillors to the concept of transformation, giving them the skills to become the next generation of transformational leaders.
The programme will provide participants with:
- an overview of transformation at different levels and approaches to delivering them
- an exploration of the different types of roles councillors play in supporting transformation in their council
- an opportunity to develop the skills and capabilities councillors need to successfully lead and steer transformation
- an understanding of the different roles officers and councillors hold in this space
- an opportunity to build the skills that councillors need to confidently promote, communicate and translate transformation activities into their communities
- the tools and techniques to scrutinise, challenge and champion transformation
- relevant knowledge on the latest thinking around the role of councillors in delivering transformation programmes.
To sign up for the training session please contact [email protected], if you have any queries about the sessions please contact [email protected].
Councillor transformation network
Our councillor transformation network meets quarterly and is aimed at Leaders, Deputy Leaders, relevant portfolio holders/committee chairs as well as any councillor with an interest in transformation.
This network gives councillors from across the country a safe space to network, discuss issues and trends effecting councils, and hear from each other and guests on new policies, programmes, and practices.
To successfully innovate and transform services it is crucial that councillors are able to meet one another in a safe environment, to learn how other councils have overcome obstacles and implemented transformation programmes. Members of the councillor transformation network meet to:
- learn from one another about what is happening in other councils
- discuss emerging issues and trends effecting councils
- identify barriers and facilitators to implementing transformation
- hear from guest speakers on a variety of transformation related topics.
The secretariat function is held by the LGA and the network is led by:
- Chair: Councillor Nazia Rehman, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Wigan Council.
- Vice chair: Councillor Alison Holt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities, Economic Development and Leisure, Kingston Council.
If you are interested in the councillor transformation network please sign up by completing our expression of interest form.