This handy guide is written for officers who are writing, reviewing and supporting new councillors to write plans. It outlines the vital steps – from convening a first working through to implementation – that must be gone through when putting together a strategic plan. Read this guide.

Becoming a councillor is an exciting time but can also be daunting – you cannot be expected to know everything straight away – councils, even small ones, are complex. This guide is to help in those first days and weeks. Read this guide.

This guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) written for elected members is a short, easy-to-read introduction to the main issues.

Some insights, inspiration and tips for newly elected members from former councillor John Hart. Read this article.

Whether you’re a brand new councillor or an old hand, LGIU is here to support you to deliver for your local residents. LGIU Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West explains how new councillors can start benefitting from LGIU now.

What do you think are the top three most essential skills for councillors? Find out what LGIU members and followers told us here.

This is your intro to English local government. How does local government work? What is it responsible for? From the number of councillors to who pays – we’ll give you the low-down on all the essentials. Read this page.

Advice on what to expect from the world of local government after you’ve been elected and the power of saying ‘yes’ to your residents. Read this article.

How does local government in Scotland work? This page brings you all the essential information. From the number of councils to the different roles of elected members and staff, we’ll answer your local government questions. Read this page.

With the impacts of climate change worsening with every passing year, local authorities hold a vital role in both cutting emissions and in developing more resilient places. Discover more of our work.

Communities are what being a councillor is all about. Everyone who makes the decision to stand for election does it out of a desire to make a positive difference to the lives of people in their community. Discover more of our work.

An essential ingredient for place making. How can communities and local government work together to make local life fun and enriching and attract visitors for economic development? Discover more of our work.

Local government is responsible for a diverse range of services that have huge implications for the life chances of children and young people. Discover more of our work.

Local government budgets have been under ever increasing pressure for years and the pandemic fallout and cost of living crisis are exacerbating that. New councillors will want to take time to fully understand this complex system. Discover more of our work.

Councillors are often approached by people in their wards, individually or in local forums, for help over social care issues and you will need to develop a good understanding of how the system operates. Discover more of our work.

Local authorities play an important role in developing healthy, sustainable neighbourhoods and ensuring that there are enough high-quality homes. Discover more of our work.

Local authorities and councillors keep the machinery of everyday life operating, pick up the pieces and support the most vulnerable in our communities. Discover more of our work.

We know that the weeks and months following an election can involve many learning curves for new councillors. The LGIU team has put together an extensive range of online training covering the essential skills that will help them be as effective as possible in their new role. Find out more.

The right support as a councillor can make all the difference. That’s why we’re bringing you three evening online sessions that will help you consider your role and priorities, including the importance of facilitating community development, fixing resident issues, watching over council decision-making, and acting in your party group to promote your manifesto – to maximise your impact. Find out more and book today.

We can develop a cost-effective, tailored in-house training programme that works for your council. Speak to us about your requirements and we can put together the right training package for your councillors. Find out more.

With many venturing back into offices and council chambers we know that online meetings will remain part of life for many. LGIU trainer Miranda Smythe runs through some key tips for chairing a virtual meeting here.

New structures, alliances and commercial ways of operating are becoming the norm for many local authorities — and vital to these organisations is the relationship between elected members and appointed officers.  This workshop will help you develop your working relationships with officers and consider how your council as a whole can move forward in innovative, connected ways. Find out more and book a place.

For almost 40 years, LGIU has been responding to the training needs of local government. We run an extensive programme of training throughout the year, covering both the skills and policy topics that councillors need to keep on top of in order to make the most of their role. See our full programme.