A new national recruitment drive aiming to boost council workforces has been launched amid growing staffing pressures across local government.
The 'Make a Difference, Work for Your Local Council' campaign comes after a Local Government Association survey revealed that 94% of councils are struggling to recruit and retain staff.
Funded by the UK Government, the campaign will run throughout January and February 2026, showcasing the breadth, flexibility and social impact of careers in local government.
The campaign highlights how council roles allow people to make a tangible difference in their communities, while benefiting from flexible working, inclusive workplaces and strong training and development opportunities. With more than 800 different job roles available across councils, the sector offers wide-ranging career paths.
First piloted in the North East in 2023, the campaign has already gained national recognition, winning two major recruitment and workforce awards. It officially launches on 5 January 2026 and will be supported by a ready-to-use toolkit to help councils amplify its reach.
Cllr Jane Scullion, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Improvement Committee, said: ‘We know that many councils are facing retention and recruitment challenges, and we are always looking for ways to make this sector more appealing. We hope that local authorities take up this offer of support.’
For more on the local government workforce, check out LocalGov and Multiverse's new report: Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling.
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