Councillor Plus

The Councillor+ Programme is a virtual leadership development programme delivered by North West Employers, designed to support councillors as they progress beyond induction and deepen their political and community leadership skills.

Purpose

The programme aims to:

• Support councillors to excel in their roles by understanding the breadth of responsibilities across local government.
• Strengthen political leadership, governance, and community impact.
• Provide insight into how councillors, officers, partners, and systems are interconnected.
• Build confidence, effectiveness, and self‑awareness across a councillor’s leadership journey.

It is a progression from the Life as a Councillor induction programme and has been co-designed with councillors and officers across the North West.

Format

• Fully virtual, delivered via Microsoft Teams
• Highly interactive sessions including case studies, group work, reflection, and role‑play
• Commitment required to attend all modules
• Learning materials and peer networking hosted via Basecamp (community of practice platform)

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Programme Structure

The programme runs from September 2026 to March 2027 and includes 7 themed modules plus a finale celebration:

Module 1 – Effective Community Leadership (Sept 2026)

Focuses on:

• Leadership styles and qualities
• Leading as a ward councillor, cabinet member, committee chair or opposition member
• Casework, campaigning, boundaries, and code of conduct
• Translating community leadership into policy influence

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Module 2 – Councillor & Officer Relationships (Oct 2026)

Explores:

• Trust, mutual respect, and joint leadership
• Roles and accountability of members vs officers
• Governance, political impartiality, and statutory officer roles
• Managing conflict and maintaining professional boundaries

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Module 3 – Community Working: Asset‑Based Community Development (Nov 2026)

Covers:

• Principles and history of ABCD
• Shifting from deficit‑based to asset‑based thinking
• Identifying hidden strengths within communities
• Real‑life neighbourhood and place‑based case studies

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Module 4 – Unconscious Bias & Inclusivity (Dec 2026)

Aims to:

• Raise awareness of unconscious bias and its impacts
• Explore practical strategies to mitigate bias
• Encourage self‑reflection and inclusive leadership
• Translate learning into concrete actions in councils and communities

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Module 5 – Financial Awareness (Jan 2027)

Focuses on:

• Councils’ statutory financial duties and governance
• Budget setting, scrutiny, and risk management
• Understanding financial pressures and avoiding failure
• Oversight rather than technical accountancy

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Module 6 – Presenting with Impact (Feb 2027)

Develops:

• Confident public speaking and influencing skills
• Storytelling and narrative building
• Communication across diverse audiences
• Practical techniques for speeches, meetings, media, and conflict situations

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Module 7 – ICBs & ICPs: Health and Care Systems (Mar 2027)

Explores:

• How NHS Integrated Care Boards and Partnerships work
• Councillors’ political levers within health systems
• Supporting residents through health‑related casework
• Translating national policy into local action

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Finale – Reflection, Impact & Next Steps (Mar 2027)

A celebratory session to:

• Reflect on learning and personal growth
• Consolidate networks and relationships
• Plan next steps in political or leadership development
• Celebrate successful completion of the programme