Sector support offers
National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP)
There is still time for councils to sign up and join the NGDP and recruit bright and motivated graduates to help tackle key challenges whilst they complete a prestigious learning and development programme over two years. Candidates are currently completing assessment centres in advance of council interviews, having already passed two preceding recruitment stages. Get in touch by 29 February via ngdp@local.gov.uk to recruit future leaders of local government.
Leadership Essentials Finance for non-Finance Cabinet Members
Spaces are still available on the additional dates set for our Leadership Essentials Finance for non-Finance Cabinet Members taking place on 13 March 2024 and our Leadership Essentials Audit Committee prog taking place on 6-7 March 2024. Both taking place at Warwick Conferences, Coventry CV4 7SH. For more information Leadership Essentials | Local Government Association and to book email grace.collins@local.gov.uk
E-learning
The LGA has revised and updated its scrutiny e-learning module. The new module has been revised, taking into account changes around governance in recent years. It has been completed in advance of the 2024 elections as an opportunity for new and less experienced councillors to gain a good grounding in the principles of scrutiny when elected. It complements and reflects the workbook which was revised in the autumn of 2023. To register for e-learning or to find out more, visit: Councillor e-learning.
Effective Time Management
As councillors, you will be subjected to many varied and diverse demands and pressures on your time. Balancing your work as a councillor, with home, business and personal life is a juggling act. The LGA is holding a virtual event on teams on Tuesday 5 March between 10.30am and 12.00pm. Featuring experienced facilitators, this event will provide insight and assistance with effective time management as well as coping and prioritisation strategies and give you the opportunity to share your experiences. T
Book your place on Effective Time Management
Pathways to Planning
Councils can sign up now for the second cohort of the Pathways to Planning programme, which runs a national marketing and recruitment campaign to attract and assess top talent for local authority planning teams at no cost. It also offers a bursary of £5,000 per place to fund graduates’ postgraduate study via a Master’s or Level 7 apprenticeship route. Don’t miss this highly cost-effective way to supplement your Planning teams and build a diverse talent pipeline for the future: apply for Pathways to Planning by 31 March 2024 or email anna.buttenshaw@local.gov.uk for more information.
Apprentice of the year 2024
Register your amazing Level 2/3 apprentices for the Local Government Apprentice of the Year 2024. The event takes place on 21 and 22 May and is an excellent developmental opportunity for apprentices to learn, network and showcase their skills. Apprentices will work in virtual teams to experience the opportunities, risks, and challenges involved in delivering successful local government services, with a chance of winning an award for their efforts.
Booking is open until Tuesday 30 April 2024.
Research into councils with experience of finance and governance challenges
In September 2022, the LGA commissioned Human Engine to conduct a desktop study on five councils with experience of finance and governance challenges which led to either a S114 report or a capitalisation direction with a governance review at the time the research was commissioned. A series of roundtables were held to reflect on the findings of the research and the recommendations. We have published a summary of learning which sets out the findings from the research and roundtables.
Events
Tuesday 5 March 2024, 10.00am – 11.45am | Virtual masterclass
The session will focus on key experiences, from North Yorkshire, Somerset and Buckinghamshire councils, which have recently undergone local government reorganisation, for delegates to learn and adopt techniques that can be used in the delivery of their council transformation projects. It will feature a panel discussion followed by a roundtable with delegates.
Thursday 7 March 2024, 5.15pm – 7.00pm | Hybrid event
Following the UK’s AI Safety Summit in November 2023, the LGA’s next Smith Square Debate will bring together a panel of expert speakers to discuss the risks and rewards of AI for local government and explore the readiness and appetite of local councils to integrate AI into their systems and service delivery.
Monday 11 March 2024, 10.30am – 12.30pm | Zoom
Recent high-profile examples in the local government sector have led to an increased awareness of the importance of good governance and assurance. This session for leaders, elected mayors, portfolio holders, committee chairs and chairs of audit and scrutiny will explore principles and good practice, key member leadership roles and approaches to support councils to identify and manage risks to governance and assurance.
Tuesday 12 – Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Bristol
The LGA Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition 2024 will be held at the Delta Hotels (Bristol Marriott) City Centre. The event provides an opportunity for senior fire officers and members of fire and rescue authorities to meet and discuss developments impacting the fire and rescue sector.
Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July 2024 | Harrogate
Join us in Harrogate for the biggest event in the local government calendar, where we’ll be discussing the latest issues affecting local government.
Additionally, you might be interested in...
This workbook examines effective opposition in local government. The workbook is aimed at opposition leaders and deputies and, ordinary opposition members but it would also be useful for council leaders, elected mayors, cabinet members and deputies and committee chairs. It is a learning and development aid to support opposition councillors in undertaking their key role in local democracy.
Sustainability Action Learning Sets
Our Sustainability Action Learning Sets are open to all council officers in England to provide a safe space to reflect, exchange and curate knowledge around delivery projects. The sets will be made up of nine council participants and facilitated by the LGA. You can find out more information, book on to an action learning set and read the Frequently Asked Questions on our webpage.
Sustainability Masterclasses
Are you a councillor who has responsibility for delivering your council's ambitions for delivering net zero, climate adaptation or biodiversity targets? Sign up for a Sustainability masterclass to learn how you can take meaningful action and become carbon literacy accredited, with plenty of opportunities for collaboration, discussion and support. Please do sign up for the masterclass session and find FAQs on our website.
LG Inform and LG Inform Plus
For more information on subscribing to LG Inform Plus/LG Inform contact us at lginformplus@local.gov.uk or lginform@local.gov.uk
Understanding Waste Collection
All our reports are updated within five days of publication of new data, for example our Understanding Waste Collection report will have been automatically updated for your organisation on the release of the latest data on 31 January.
This is just one of the ready made reports we provide on LG Inform to help you start using the site and finding related data.
- Save yourself work! All our ready made reports can be adapted if you register, sign in and use the 'Save As' function to amend them to your own needs. Registering is free for councils.
- Stay up to date! 'Favourite' the report to be notified when the data has been updated.
- See what's coming! Our calendar has our estimated dates for new data releases.
first magazine
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Abi Brown
Chairman, LGA Improvement and Innovation Board
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