Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Every meeting has the potential to be productive, inclusive and focused — but it takes skill to make that happen. This practical training gives you the tools and techniques to chair with confidence, from the first agenda item to the closing remarks.
Key outcomes
- Gain the confidence to lead and facilitate effective meetings.
- Develop techniques to structure discussions logically, keep meetings on track, and deliver clear, actionable decisions.
- Learn strategies for handling challenging situations, managing conflict, and maintaining a positive meeting environment.
We'll cover:
- The role and responsibilities of the chair.
- Skills needed to be an effective chair.
- Planning and preparing for productive meetings.
- Setting the right tone from the start.
- Structuring discussions to achieve decisions.
- Managing participation.
- Managing dissent and conflict.
- Keeping meetings on track and on time.
- Closing positively with clear actions.
Who should attend
Ideal for councillors who chair meetings as part of their role. It will be a valuable introduction for those new to chairing as well as a useful opportunity to refresh and enhance existing skills.
Trainer
Miranda Smythe
LGIU Trainer
Miranda Smythe has 30 years of experience helping organisations (mainly local governments) identify learning gaps and develop tailored, creative strategies to address their goals. Miranda is also involved in local community development activities and provides mental health awareness sessions for many not-for-profit organisations. She is chair of a local homelessness charity and has been instrumental in developing and facilitating community leadership initiatives in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
A lot of great nuggets to help with my chairing journey. In particular, how to deal with conflict and language to use. Miranda spoke very clearly and calmly making the meeting seem very quick. All information was on topic.
