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Application
The application process is simple and all we require from you is an application form stating:
- why you want to be a contestant on the programme,
- how you meet one of the programme competencies,
- one competency you would like to develop, and
- a short 2 minute film talking about something you are passionate about.
All applications will be assessed across our competencies for the programme and a shortlist produced.
We make adjustments throughout the selection process based on individual requests to ensure that everybody has an equal opportunity to apply.
If selected, the LG Challenge team ensures that all reasonable adjustments are accommodated by the host authorities. We encourage all applicants to let us know about adjustments as early as possible. If you encounter any issues with our online application form, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] who will ensure that your needs are addressed in order for you to apply.
If you would like any other support throughout the application process, please do contact [email protected] for an informal chat with the LGA team or a previous contestant.
On the programme
Challenges can be on any topic at all, for example previous challenges have focused on: educational reform, a local airport, organisational restructuring, creating a new park, planning and housing, adult social care.
We have even been hosted by a Fire Authority and a Government Department.
The tasks themselves will differ across the programme and contestants could be asked to come up with anything such as an action plan, marketing campaign, bid proposal, or a strategy linked to a specific service area.
Broaden your knowledge: by working on service areas you are not exposed to in your daily role, you will gain a holistic view of local government.
Develop your leadership skills: contestants will have developed their ability to inspire and motivate others and an ability to carefully select the right approach to complex issues.
Give back to local communities: offering valuable consultancy to five different councils, you will have offered solutions to residents which demonstrate tangible outcomes.
Broaden your network and raise your profile: you will leave the programme with a strong network of council and LGA officers of all levels to tap into as you continue your local government leadership development.
Throughout the challenges, you will be marked by team observers against the following set of criteria:
- innovation & problem solving
- political awareness
- ability to inspire & motivate others
- business acumen
- communication
- working collaboratively.
Scores will be allocated based on the contestants’ demonstration of these skills (including demonstrating an improvement) over the duration of the competition.
The contestants with the highest scores at the end of the challenge stage will progress to the final, held at the LGA Conference in July. This will be announced after the fifth challenge has been completed. The scores will then be reset to zero and the finalists will be assessed by a judging panel on the basis of their performance against the criteria above as well as the finalists’ costed proposals for use of the Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship. The panel will consist of senior local government officers and councillors.
At each challenge you will usually meet the chief executive, leader or portfolio holder and a range of colleagues beyond the senior team, not to mention local partners, community groups, and residents. You will meet LGA officers and members of all levels and across different teams. At the LGA Annual Conference, you will meet the high profile delegates in attendance.
You can expect to develop budding relationships with fellow contestants from across the country, in different types of councils, with different experiences and from different backgrounds. Whilst a professional development experience, it is also designed to be fun and sociable!
Logistics and organisation
The Local Government Association (LGA) manages the project and is responsible for organising the challenges. LGA colleagues from different departments come together to form the LG Challenge team which is responsible for organising challenges with the partner councils.
The LGA is responsible for covering all travel and accommodation costs for the challenges. All travel arrangements via public transport, accommodation and meals are arranged by the LG Challenge project team. Depending on your location, some challenges might require you to travel the day before the challenge begins and when this happens, we will cover the additional pre-night’s stay.