Sector support offers
Innovation Zone applications 2025 now open!
Each year, the LGA Conference Innovation Zone is a vibrant and creative space which showcases the outstanding, innovative work of councils across a range of service and policy areas. We are now accepting applications from councils, and organisations working with councils, to be part of the Innovation Zone at the LGA Conference 2025, which will take place from 1 – 3 July in Liverpool.
The Innovation Zone is the space at LGA Conference for councils to showcase their new ideas and solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing local government. We are aiming to share excellent practice that all delegates can learn from and utilise to create tangible, positive impact in their own councils and communities. Organisations who are not councils will need to deliver their sessions in collaboration with councils they have worked with or supported. We encourage relevant applications from all regions and even internationally. We are keen to ensure a diversity of experiences are represented in our programme, and the LGA encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Applications on all topics are welcomed and encouraged. If you are unsure if your idea is relevant or applicable, please email innovationzone@local.gov.uk and we would be happy to provide guidance.
Head to the Innovation Zone webpage for further information and how to apply. Applications close Monday 3 February 2025.
Chief Finance Officer mentoring scheme
The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) mentoring scheme continues to support new and aspiring CFOs to develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. We also invite applications from experienced CFOs who would like to mentor a new CFO or a deputy CFO. We recommend a commitment of one virtual meeting a month over a six-month period. Find out more and sign up online at Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Mentoring Scheme.
Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme
Pathways to Planning
Webinars and digital events
Places are still available on a number of our in-person Leadership Essentials programmes for elected members, including Licensing, Children’s Services, Getting your Message Across and Fire and Rescue. Places are also available on our virtual Leadership Essentials programmes, including Effective Scrutiny, Transformation, Effective Cabinet Member and Finance Governance. To book your place, please contact grace.collins@local.gov.uk
Our 'Focus on Leadership' councillor development events are designed to support councillors to excel in their existing roles and to provide them with a bridge to senior leadership positions.
We also have spaces available on our effective opposition programme to support opposition leaders and deputy leaders gain a better understanding of how they can enhance the effectiveness of their role in leading an opposition group on their council.
Our transformation action learning sets provide a unique development opportunity for councillors and officers to work with peers to explore solutions to transformation challenges in an action learning set environment. Please express your interest in the series you will be available to participate in via this registration form. For any queries about the series please email tom.denman@local.gov.uk.
Thursday 23 January 2025, 10.00am – 11.45am
The roundtable will explore the importance of how councils can harness the potential of their estates and assets to kickstart growth, maintain financial stability and transform public service delivery. The session will feature ‘spotlight on’ presentations from councils delivering effective estate and asset transformation before progressing into a roundtable discussion.
Tuesday 11 February 2025, 10.00am – 12.30pm
This first virtual event will include sessions on the Procurement Act 2023 - the implications for construction and collaboration; how the wider public sector is preparing for the Act and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
The second virtual session on Thursday 13 February will focus on sustainability, embedding carbon and social value with examples from industry.
Tuesday 18 February 2025, 10.00am – 11.45am
The roundtable will focus on how councils can implement approaches and frameworks to help them understand strategic needs and allocate resources to manage the delivery of transformation and change projects and programmes. The session will feature ‘spotlight on’ presentations from councils delivering prioritisation approaches and tools before progressing into a roundtable discussion.
Tuesday 18 February 2025, 10.00am – 11.45am
The roundtable will focus on how councils can implement approaches and frameworks to help them understand strategic needs and allocate resources to manage the delivery of transformation and change projects and programmes. The session will feature ‘spotlight on’ presentations from councils delivering prioritisation approaches and tools before progressing into a roundtable discussion.
Additionally, you might be interested in...
Improvement and assurance framework: guide for councillors
Navigating financial uncertainty and building resilience
Chief Finance Officers understand the critical importance of robust financial planning and risk management, especially in times of uncertainty. The publication ‘Navigating financial uncertainty and building resilience: Guiding principals’ is an essential resource designed to empower finance officers and teams with practical strategies and tools to effectively manage financial pressures. Developed by the LGA and EY, this guide offers actionable insights and best practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by local authorities.
Local Government Disability Champions Network: Good practice case studies
Local Government Challenge 2025
We’re very pleased to announce the cohort of ten officers who will be taking part in the Local Government Challenge 2025. Details of the cohort can be found on the LG Challenge 2025 website. Between January and May, the cohort of aspiring local government leaders, from a wide range roles and councils from all over the country, will take part in five real-life council hosted challenges.
LGA Sustainability bulletin
The LGA Sustainability bulletin delivers a carefully curated monthly roundup of the latest developments in sustainability and climate action. It includes best practice case studies from local authorities, training opportunities, such as carbon literacy courses and virtual events, and roundtable discussions on a variety of sustainability topics.
LG Inform and LG Inform Plus
New report: Digital inclusion
We are delighted to share our newest LG Inform report: Digital inclusion. This report provides an overview of digital inclusion and exclusion in a local authority area (select a council at the top of the report).
For information on LG Inform contact us at lginform@local.gov.uk, or to take advantage of the benefits of subscribing to LG Inform Plus contact lginformplus@local.gov.uk.
first magazine
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Abi Brown, OBE Chair, LGA Improvement and Innovation Board
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