NILGA Launches Local Leadership Programme for Councillors
With the growing deficit of power caused by the disruption of the NI Assembly, there is an increased importance being placed on local councillors to step up to the plate for their communities they serve.
The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) is set to host a series of capacity building sessions.
These will develop local councillors’ leadership capabilities and help them deal with the ever-evolving challenges of their role.
The fully accredited NILGA Local Leadership Development Programme 2023-24, will provide local councillors with a full range of leadership skills.
It will give them the opportunity to identify their strengths (and weaknesses) and develop new skills.
It will help them to become better at problem solving, to widen and deepen their strategic knowledge and decision-making capabilities alongside enhancing their activities as champions for their communities.
At the present time, Councillors face unprecedented pressures as their constituents face a cost-of-living crisis, the aftermath of the pandemic and resource constraints on public services, all exacerbated by the lack of an Assembly.
This programme is designed to help councillors deal with these pressures.
It will help them acquire greater resilience and developing the confidence to work effectively with constituents, local stakeholders, and each other.
They will learn tools and techniques to better understand what is happening in their District Electoral Areas (DEAs).
Also, it will help indentify the needs of citizens and how they can play a leading role in their communities working in their Council and with relevant local organisations, to improve the quality of life of people in their area.
This leadership initiative is part of a wider councillor Regional Programme delivered by NILGA to prepare councillors to serve their citizens and implement positive change within their community.
NILGA Regional Development Manager, Fiona Douglas, said: “Effective leadership is about problem solving and improving the quality of life of the people who live in our communities.
“This programme will upskill Councillors so they can better understand the context within which they undertake this unique role.
“It will address the skill sets they need to respond effectively to the challenges facing their council and their citizens.
“Through these modules, councillors will have the opportunity to identify their unique leadership style and adopt approaches which address their individual situation.”
“The programme will be interactive and engaging tailored to the Northern Ireland context.
“The innovative case studies used will demonstrate alternative ways of understanding how councils can improve the quality of life of their residents and tackle the real practical issues and problems facing them.”
“Leadership goes beyond making decisions. It is about our social awareness and ability to connect and relate to individuals.
“This programme will allow councillors to develop valuable networks beyond the training programme.
“It emphasises the importance of councillor/citizen relationships, and how community members and partner organisations can be mobilised to help in achieving, better public outcomes for everyone.”
“Social media advancements have improved the opportunities for citizens to communicate with their representatives but have also made for platforms of abuse.
“This, coupled with the absence of a functioning Assembly, places councillors at the centre of the most called upon and active tier of government in Northern Ireland.
“NILGA will support them to develop the capacity and confidence to respond to the local issues and to act as effective community champions to change agents in their local areas.”
Any councillor interested in the NILGA Leadership Programme 2023-24 should contact Fiona Douglas, NILGA Regional Development Manager, at :
