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.”
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