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.
New resources available
Leading Edge
Please note that this programme is now FULL. If you would like to be considered for future programmes, please complete the application form and it will be taken as an expression of interest.
Our Leading Edge programme focuses on the critical interface between elected leaders and senior officers – challenging them to consider the key issues facing councils, communities and the wider public sector.
In partnership with Leadership Centre we will be running a new pilot programme in Spring 2023, that brings together officers and members at a residential learning and development event.
We are currently taking expressions of interest from officers and members who would be interested in attending. We’re looking for those who are in the pipeline to the most senior roles – you might be a cabinet member, policy committee chair, leader of the opposition or scrutiny chair from any political group (including Independents). On the officer side, you are likely to be head of service, assistant director or director level and come from any discipline. We’re looking for individual expressions of interest, you don’t have to commit to coming in a pair with a councillor/officer from your council.
To apply, please complete this form and we will contact you once we have completed shortlisting.
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.
Leading Edge programme – boosting middle leaders
In collaboration with the Leadership Centre and as part of our Leading Edge programme, our 'boosting middle leaders' pilot will bring officers and councillors together to build relationships and share new perspectives and practices that will support them to serve their communities.
Councillor e-learning
Expand your political leadership skills with our free e-learning platform.