Local Government Challenge: The hunt is on for the next generation of management stars
1 Sep 2010 10:24 AM
The Local Government Challenge 2011 has begun and applications are now open for candidates who think they have the drive, determination and ability to one day lead their council as an inspiring chief executive.
Organised by the Local Government Group, it gives the 10 short-listed hopefuls the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and potential through a string of tough real-life challenges, laid on by councils around the country. They will need to showcase their talent as individuals and team players.
The winner, who will have displayed the creative, communication and leadership skills expected of a top council executive, will receive the prestigious and career enhancing Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship.
The challenges will be based around:
Baroness Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the Local Government Group, said:
“In the current climate of Government cuts and ever-shrinking budgets, councils will need innovative and effective leaders to guide them through the tough years ahead.
“Local authorities need to promote an environment where forward-thinking go-getters bursting with ambition and creativity can thrive and grow into the inspiring executives of the future who can build on this good work. These are the people who will one day be charged with making sure the streets are clean, roads are gritted, rubbish is collected and the vulnerable cared for.
“The Local Government Challenge will not only celebrate the diverse talent in town halls across the country, it will help uncover the hidden potential in our workforce and promote local government as a rewarding career choice.”
During August and September 2010, councils in England and Wales are being invited to submit proposals to host a challenge in their local area.
Contestants will be observed every step of the way by a panel of leading local government figures and partner organisations. Challenges will run between January and May and be filmed and broadcast on the Local Government Channel.
The winner will be announced at the LG Group Annual Conference in Birmingham on July 2011.
ENDS
Author: LGA Media Office
Contact: LGA Media Office, Tel: 020 7664 3333
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on the LG Challenge and how to enter visit:
The Local Government Challenge
There is also a Facebook group called Local Government Challenge which is regularly updated with pictures and comment.
The competition, now in its second year, will feature three rounds:
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Round One will involve the challenges.
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Round Two will see four finalists going head-to-head at the LGA Group Conference and face a panel of leading local government figures.
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Round Three will see the two most outstanding candidates face a final interview panel to win the challenge.
The Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship is part of the Bruce-Lockhart Leadership Programme which was established in memory of former Kent County Council Leader and LGA Chairman Lord Bruce-Lockhart. The programme aims to develop the next generation of council leaders and chief executives by enabling international best practice to be identified and applied locally.