People learning

District Councils’ Network relaunches Staff Development Programme

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) is inviting applicants to apply for their relaunched annual Staff Development Programme.

Paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the popular and long-established programme will be kicking off in the new year.

It will give around 70 staff members in DCN member councils the support they need to build their leadership and delivery skills, as well as strategic policy capability.

For successful applicants, the programme offers a series of face-to-face professional development sessions and a senior Officer mentor for advice and professional development.

As well as this, participants will have the opportunity to undertake an improvement project in their council.

The DCN is currently in discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to offer all participants the opportunity to job shadow a senior Civil Servant as a new addition to the programme this year.

This may become a reciprocal arrangement, helping Civil Servants to get to know DCN councils.

Potential applicants are recommended to apply as soon as possible, with the programme regularly oversubscribed.

Council staff have until the Monday 13 December at 17:00 to submit their applications following the details on the District Councils’ Network website.

Depending on the number of applications, DCN may need to conduct an informal selection process based on the content of applications received.

The District Councils’ Network is also seeking additional Chief Executives and senior Officers to take part in the scheme as mentors to help talented staff to progress.

No formal qualification is needed as the DCN can provide an introduction to mentoring.

Commenting, Chair of the District Councils’ Network, Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen said:

“We’re delighted to be relaunching this successful and popular programme, designed to help support some of our talented staff and future leaders across DCN member councils across the country.

“Over the course of this pandemic, staff have stepped up heroically to the challenges presented to us.

“Whether it be delivering £9bn in lifeline business support grants, providing emergency shelter to thousands of rough sleepers, helping local businesses and high streets reopen safely, they have been at the heart of supporting our communities when they’ve needed it the most.

“Through this programme, we will support the professional development and leadership potential of our brightest rising stars to tackle the challenges ahead.”

PSE will be hosting a Cyber Security, Fraud & Human Error in association with Check Point Software Technologies Virtual Festival on 2 December. Join us for the full day event by registering here.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all