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.
Our councillor development events provide councillors with valuable opportunities to build networks and meet peers and colleagues from across the country.
We host 'Focus on Leadership' weekender events for the following groups:
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors
- LGBTQ+ councillors
- opposition leaders and deputy leaders
- young councillors (aged 40 and under).
Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors
Since 2004, our popular weekender events for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors have contributed to the success of many councillors and to the development of their political and strategic thinking.
LGBTQ+ councillors
Saturday 6 February - Sunday 7 February 2027
Warwick Conferences, Coventry
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer plus (LGBTQ+) councillors are invited to join us at our annual two-day, cross-party LGBTQ+ councillors weekender event – an excellent opportunity to network and share experiences.
Fee: £160 per person - This includes one night’s accommodation, meals, tuition and materials. For those wishing to arrive the evening before and join the pre-event dinner, an additional £55 applies.
Opposition leaders and deputy leaders
We've designed our effective opposition two-day events to support opposition leaders and deputy leaders to excel in their role of leading an opposition group on their council.
Young councillors
Our popular annual weekender event for young councillors is a must for councillors aged 40 and under who are interested in building their knowledge, skills and councillor networks.
Calendar
BAME Councillors Weekender
‘Claiming Space and Shaping Change’ Masterclass: Leadership for a new political era.
Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Begins 12.00pm on Saturday, concludes with lunch at 1.15pm on Sunday.
‘Developing Your Political Leadership Skills’
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Councillors – Leadership Weekend Event
Saturda, 20 February – Sunday 21 February 2027
Commences at 9.30am on Saturday, finishes at 3.30pm on Sunday.
Both weekends bring together notable speakers, practical learning and the shared energy of committed Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic leaders determined to make a difference.
Fee: We want as many councillors as possible to benefit from this opportunity, so the cost of attending each event remains at £160 per person - covering one night’s accommodation, meals, tuition and materials. For those wishing to join us for dinner and stay overnight on the pre-night, there is an additional charge of £55.
LGBTQ+ Councillors – Weekender Events
Saturday 31 January – Sunday, 1 February 2026
Opposition Leaders and Deputy Leaders
Effective opposition – two-day events | Local Government Association
Young Councillors – Weekender Events
Saturday 28 November – Sunday, 29 November 2026
Fee: £160 per person - This includes one night’s accommodation, meals, tuition and materials. For those wishing to arrive the evening before and join the pre-event dinner, an additional £55 applies.
Contact us
To register for, or find out more about, any of our 'Focus on Leadership' events, please contact Grace Collins MBE, Adviser – Leadership:
0207 664 3054