Resetting the relationship between local and national government. Read our Local Government White Paper

Boosting Middle Leaders programme

Boosting Middle Leaders is a leadership programme which brings together councillors and officers to build relationships, share perspectives, and develop practices that will help them to deliver the best outcomes for their places and communities. The programme, delivered through a blend of online and in-person workshops and residentials, is part of our Leading Edge programme, delivered in collaboration with the Leadership Centre.


As participants, you will bring challenges from your work that relate to working across functions and roles to achieve public service outcomes - and it is the substance of your challenges that will shape the programme. Within your cohort, you will build relationships, developing empathy and respect between councillors and officials. This will underpin the learning journey and will help to ensure that people develop capabilities and solutions to their challenges that will benefit their authorities and the places and communities they serve.

The fee for Boosting Middle Leaders is £500 for the full programme - but please let us know if your organisation will struggle to cover this, as we can arrange a bursary.

Applications are now closed for the upcoming cohort.

Programme overview

Testimonials from previous participants

I just want to say that I have really enjoyed the days and sessions. The presentations, discussions, and learning from peers, has been really enjoyable and invaluable, and it has definitely given me a new perspective on moving forward with my role, and actually my career! Officer attendee 2023/24

I just wanted to say a big thank you again.  What this course has done for me is totally boost my confidence and love for local government. Officer attendee 2023/24

I've been able to talk with my councillors colleagues about why officers may be saying what they are and suggest alternative ways of putting our ideas forward that doesn't come into so much conflict. Councillor attendee 2023/24

Boosting Middle Leaders has provided me with a unique opportunity to share my experiences and perspectives with a variety of members and officers from a wide selection of local authorities. This series of exercises and workshops have expanded my mindset, depth of knowledge and better equipped me to problem solve and to be a better leader. Councillor attendee 2023/24