The WLGA is working in partnership with the Welsh Government to deliver the Leadership Programme for Councillors in Wales.
Overview
The Leadership Programme is a place where leaders, and those in leadership positions, can explore the latest thinking in political leadership, and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to rise to these challenges.
Part of the strength of the Leadership Programme is that it provides an environment where elected members from across the political spectrum can meet leading members from other councils and parties and talk about issues that are common to them.
This combination of learning from experts in the field of leadership and from the experience of their peers gives graduates confidence in their abilities and a new network of trusted colleagues.
Benefits to you
The programme provides an environment where councillors from across the political spectrum can meet experienced councillors from other councils and parties to discuss common issues. The combination of learning from experts in the field of leadership and from the experience of their peers gives programme participants confidence in their abilities and a new network of trusted colleagues.
The programme is informal and highly interactive, which offers the opportunity for an engaging and thought-provoking learning environment. Each programme is limited to 25 councillors ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate.
Target audience
This programme is open to senior councillors in Wales, including leaders, leaders of political groups, executive members, opposition spokespeople and scrutiny chairs. Many councils view it as an opportunity to promote succession planning and the development of future lead councillors.
Programmes are cross-party and restricted to 25 councillors at any one session to ensure maximum participation.
We offer 2 guaranteed places per council across the two programmes. Depending on the level of demand we may be able to offer additional places; however, no more than 4 councillors from each council can take part.
How does it work?
The Leadership Programme for Councillors in Wales is a modular development programme comprising of three, two-day modules over a three-month period.
Module 1 (residential) focuses on leading through relationships. This module enables participants to identify their personal leadership styles, strengths and weaknesses and explores how councillors can develop, maintain and use relationships (both internal and external) to provide effective leadership at the political, organisational and wider community levels.
Module 2 (virtual, non-consecutive days) looks at leading innovation and change. This module will develop councillors’ ability to lead and manage complex changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency and to achieve better outcomes for their citizens and their communities.
Module 3 (residential) explores leading communities and place. The focus is on helping councillors to communicate with and provide leadership to their communities and within partnerships to achieve growth and prosperity.
Between modules councillors will be encouraged to continue conversations, share developing practice and prepare for the next module. Following the programme, participants will be given opportunities to continue discussions in the action learning sets established during the programme.
Timetable
Programmes are cross-party and restricted to 25 councillors at any one session to ensure maximum participation.
Programme 1 North Wales (weekends)
Module 1: 26 and 27 October 2024
Module 2: 16 and 18 November 2024
Module 3: 7 and 8 December 2024
Programme 2 South Wales (weekends)
Module 1: 18 and 19 January 2025
Module 2: 22 and 24 February 2025
Module 3: 22 and 23 March 2025
Cost
The Leadership Programme for Councillors in Wales is provided at no cost to councils and is funded through the WLGA Improvement Programme, a Welsh Government grant funded programme. The WLGA will provide accommodation for councillors on the night between the two days of modules 1 and 3. This will include a single room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and will not include the cost of any alcohol.
Councils will need to fund travelling expenses and any additional accommodation and catering required before or after modules 1 and 3. Councillors wishing to make these additional arrangements must do so via their Democratic Services Officer, who will contact the venue directly. Any associated costs must be reclaimed through your council’s usual travel and subsistence process.
For more information contact: Ann-Marie McCafferty
annmarie.mccafferty@wlga.gov.uk