Clerks Seminar April 20th 2026 – Workshop 3 -Leadership in Local Governance: Navigating Political and Non-Political Dynamics with Paul Hodson, Town Clerk & CEO of Dunstable Town Council
This workshop will explore how a clerk can develop successful working relationships with councillors from a wide range of professional and political backgrounds. By exploring the roles councillors play and their motivations, along with strategies for building trust, respect and mutual understanding, attendees will be able to consider strategies and tools for success. Clerks provide professional advice, help councillors make good decisions and scrutinise delivery appropriately while being friendly and approachable and keeping professional boundaries. It will also cover how officers can stay politically neutral, and build trust with all councillors, and handle sensitive situations calmly and fairly.
Paul Hodson is the Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Dunstable Town Council, bringing over 25 years of public sector leadership and management experience to his role.
Paul’s career has included working with elected Members in Metropolitan Councils, London Boroughs, across Buckinghamshire, and more recently in Bedfordshire. Paul’s role with Buckinghamshire County Council involved working closely with a wide range of Members to build trust, develop work programmes and gain consensus on local actions. Paul moved to his current role in Dunstable after four years as Buckingham Town Clerk. Paul is currently completing the SLCC’s Masters in Public Sector Leadership, and is Chair of the Bedfordshire Branch of the SLCC.
Location: The Jubilee Room
- The cost of this workshop is included in your conference ticket.
- Duration, 45 minutes including Q&A
NOTE:
- You must book a Clerks Seminar ticket to attend this workshop
- All workshops are running concurrently to allow Clerks to benefit from attending all three, you must select one preferred time slot to confirm your place.
