The search is on for the 20 best up and coming managers in local government.
The Springboard 2015 programme, officially launched today, is designed to give successful applicants the chance to progress into senior roles.
On offer is a mentor – usually a local authority chief executive or director – a programme of workshops and other learning activities and a year’s free membership of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace).
Previous participants in the programme include Dylan Williams, head of economic and community regeneration at Anglesey County Council.
‘Participation on the Springboard programme has improved my appreciation and awareness of the strategic challenges facing local government in the UK,’ he said.
Cherie Root, head of business solutions at Braintree District Council, took part earlier this year. She said the programme had helped her ‘develop as a leader and think about the next steps in my local government career’.
She added: ‘It has developed my understanding of local, regional and national issues affecting us all and as a group we have learned from each other as well as some of the most experienced professionals in local government.’
Another participant, Michael McNally, group manager for economic development at Glasgow City Council, said the programme gave him the chance to ‘engage with chief executives from across Scotland and understand some of the range of issues they face on a day to day basis’.
Graeme McDonald, director of Solace, said: ‘We want to give this select group access to a unique set of opportunities which will give them a different perspective on the sector and knowledge and experience from across the UK that they can go back and apply in their own local areas.’
Applications should be submitted by November 24. For further details contact andy.hollingsworth@solace.org.uk or go to www.solace.org.uk
