The Experienced Councillor: Leadership In The Community – Two Day In-person Workshop September 4th & 5th

The Experienced Councillor in-person programme not only offers the opportunity for advanced councillor professional development but also an excellent opportunity to network with peers while sharing experience and ideas.

Leadership In the Community :  Day 1 – September 4th  10am to 4pm  In-person Workshop

Location: The Diamond Room 

Designed for town and parish councillors who want to deepen their impact and rediscover the purpose behind their role, during this interactive workshop we will explore the essence of community leadership—what it means, why it matters, and how to do it well.

• What is leadership? What is community? And what does community leadership really mean?
• What is the true purpose of local councils—and would your community notice if yours disappeared?
• How do you know if your work is making a difference?
• What’s your personal model of leadership—and how can you refine it?
• When have you felt most empowered—and most empowering?
• You’ll also practice active listening and powerful questioning—skills that help unlock deeper conversations and build stronger relationships with residents and colleagues alike.

Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, attendees will have the opportunity to refine their communication skills, learn how to engage diverse audiences, and practice the art of collaboration. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a local leader and how to leverage their skills to inspire and drive positive change in their communities.

Learning Objectives

 – Define the key elements of community leadership in a local government context

– Explore the purpose and impact of town and parish councils within their communities

– Evaluate personal leadership styles and identify areas for development

– Strengthen interpersonal skills through active listening and effective questioning

– Reflect on real-life experiences to gain insights into empowerment and influence

Core Competency Areas

– Establishing trust and credibility

– Engaging a broad and diverse community

– Inspiring others and building consensus

– Facilitating collaboration and shared progress

– Communicating with clarity and empathy

Facilitator

 Jon Harvey brings more than 35 years of experience in leadership development and public service. A seasoned town councillor and former Mayor of Buckingham, Jon is the author of Cracking Questions and The Mayor’s Bear, stories that reflect his commitment to community building and inclusive leadership. His facilitation style blends deep expertise with a passion for developing thoughtful, future-focused local leaders.

Outcome

Participants will leave the workshop with a clearer understanding of their role, enhanced leadership capability, and practical tools to create lasting, positive impact in their communities.

Day 2 : Mastering the Art of Communicating Your Message – September 5th from 10am to 3pm In-Person Workshop

Location: The Jubilee Room 

Effective leadership hinges on the ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and impact. This second day of the programme focuses on refining councillors’ communication strategies to better engage residents, colleagues, and stakeholders. Through practical exercises and reflective discussion, participants will explore how to craft compelling messages, navigate challenging conversations, and adapt their communication styles to diverse audiences.

Topics Covered

• Influencing others to achieve shared outcomes
• Building networks and bringing people together to tackle complex issues collaboratively
• Adapting communication to suit different styles and perspectives
• Delivering difficult messages with confidence and care
• Developing a clear, credible, and authentic voice as a community leader
• Strengthening trust and relationships through tailored messaging
• Selecting appropriate tools and channels for message delivery
• Identifying and overcoming common barriers to effective communication

Delivered By: Dan Purchese, Breakthrough Communications

By the end of this session, councillors will be better equipped to represent their communities, advocate with purpose, and inspire collective action through thoughtful, strategic communication.

Venue: The Gateway, Aylesbury

Members: £150 per attendee for both workshops

Non-members: £300 per attendee for both workshops

Cancellation: A full refund will be given if 14 days or more notice prior to the date of the training course is given. However, this could cause an event to be cancelled if it becomes uneconomic to run.