Building the council workforce of tomorrow: 5 key takeaways

This article is part of LGIU’s new Future Local Lab – a holistic programme of resources aimed at helping you to prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing local government everywhere.

Many of the challenges that local government is facing are shared with colleagues in other countries. Pooling learning and adapting emerging innovation to fit local circumstances will be key to how the sector around the world finds the solutions to ensure a sustainable future for councils everywhere.

Executive Live Panel discussions –  run in partnership with the Victorian Local Government Association – are part of LGIU’s Future Local Lab programme of resources. They bring together colleagues from our member councils across the UK, Ireland and Australia to share ideas and discuss common challenges.

Building the council workforce of tomorrow was the subject of our first panel of 2025, on Thursday 20 March. Our three panellists were:

1. Allison Beckwith, Chief Executive Officer, Banyule City Council;
2. Jill Brown, Chief Executive Officer, LGPro;
3. Dawn Carter-McDonald, Chief Executive, Hackney Council.

The event also featured a pre-recorded video presentation from Dawn Roberts, Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The ensuing discussion provided a rich tapestry of insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local governments worldwide in the context of workforce capacity. From innovative, inclusive employment programmes in Australia to the complexities of diverse communities in East London and the workforce challenges in rural Scotland, several key lessons emerged:

Five key lessons:

1. Diversity and inclusion are paramount: Local government must prioritise building diverse and inclusive workforces that reflect the communities they serve. As Dawn Carter-McDonald highlighted, ensuring representation across all skill levels and backgrounds is crucial for equitable service delivery and being able to really meet the needs of all residents. Banyule City Council’s inclusive employment programme – outlined by Alison Beckwith – exemplifies how targeted initiatives can create pathways for underrepresented groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, people with disabilities and young people who are having difficulty accessing employment.
2. Adaptability and skills development are crucial: Investing in training, development, and digital literacy is essential for equipping a workforce capable of navigating future changes. Dawn Roberts emphasised the need for digital skills development in Scotland, while Jill Brown discussed the importance of preparing for technological advancements like AI in Victoria. Local government must foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to meet evolving service demands and embrace new technologies.
3. Collaboration and innovation are key: Local government must collaborate with communities, educational institutions, and other organisations to address workforce challenges, share best practices, and implement innovative solutions. Banyule’s inclusive employment program, developed through community collaboration, has been successful, demonstrating the power of partnership. Dawn Roberts highlighted collaboration with universities and colleges to create new pathways into key local government roles. Dawn Carter-McDonald’s emphasis on working closely with the voluntary sector in Hackney and Jill Brown’s pilot AI projects with other councils further reinforced the importance of collaboration.
4. Address systemic challenges and promote local government as an employer of choice: Addressing systemic issues like qualification requirements, pay differentials, and negative perceptions of local government work is crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Jill Brown pointed out the high statutory qualification standards in Victoria, while Dawn Roberts discussed the challenges of competing with other sectors for skilled workers. Dawn Carter-McDonald touched on the challenges of recruiting for specialised roles like social workers and lawyers, and the need to pay a London Living Wage to attract and retain staff in the UK capital. Promoting local government as a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact is essential to building a strong and engaged workforce.
5. Embrace change and technological advancements thoughtfully: Local governments must embrace change and technological advancements, such as AI, thoughtfully and strategically. Jill Brown’s insights on AI as a tool to enhance efficiency rather than replace jobs underscore the importance of managing technological change. Addressing concerns about job displacement and providing training and support to help employees adapt to new technologies are essential for a smooth transition and to maximise the benefits of innovation.

Join the discussion. Book your spot on one of our upcoming member-only Executive Live Panels.

• Civility in public life – 22 May
• Growing the local economy – 22 July
• Tackling the housing and homelessness crisis – 25 September

Not sure if you’re a member – check our list of members here.

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Explore LGIU’s new Future Local Lab – a holistic programme of resources aimed at helping you to prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing local government everywhere.