Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Local Elections England: 2026
Overview
Improve your chairing skills and learn easy-to-implement techniques to manage participation. Master the technology and processes surrounding online meetings and gain confidence in your ability to navigate challenging situations that may arise. We’ll also touch on team dynamics and how to facilitate productive and engaging sessions.
Key outcomes
- Identify the skills and approaches needed to chair a meeting effectively
- Develop a meeting protocol and understand how to manage conflict appropriately
- Learn how to encourage quieter participants to speak up and how to manage overly talkative participants
Who should attend
Elected members who want to develop and improve their chairing skills to the next level.
Trainer
Mrs. 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.
