Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Local Elections England: 2026
Ask the trainer: New councillor essentials
Rewatch the session:
The role of a councillor can be unbelievably rewarding, but no one said it was easy and LGIU is here to support you. At this member-only session, three of our expert trainers – all with a wealth of hands-on local government experience – shared insights and top tips for navigating the complex world of local government.
We explored:
- Leadership of place: championing communities and driving positive change.
- Navigating the digital landscape: leveraging social media effectively and responsibly to engage with residents, businesses and others.
- The basics of local government finance: the essentials of council funding and the role of the councillor.
- Town hall dynamics: Tips and guidance for navigating council processes and relationships, plus insights on being effective in the overview and scrutiny role.
Speakers
- Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU
- Cllr Liz Green, LGIU Associate Trainer
- Cllr Rachel Eden, LGIU Associate Trainer
- Dave Burn, LGIU Associate Trainer
See more about our speakers below.
Event Feedback
Resource pack: Ask the trainer: New councillor essentials
Ask the trainer: New councillor essentials - presentation slides
New councillor essentials - 5 takeaways from the training
Our trainers shared a wealth of knowledge and practical tips, both big and small to help new councillors really get to grips with the role and make the maximum impact for their communities. Read now.
Resources for new councillors
We have put together a collection of LGIU resources to help recently elected councillors navigate the complex world of local government and grasp the essentials of new policy areas. Explore the resources.
Devolution and reorganisation: the essentials
Local government in England is going through a period of unprecedented change. Our essential toolkit is frequently updated and will keep you up to speed with what is happening, the timeframes and the implications. Explore the toolkit.
Courses for councillors
LGIU Training for councillors will give you a skills and knowledge boost across a variety of areas essential to the councillor role. LGIU members get a 25% discount on all bookings..
About LGIU Training
For nearly 40 years, LGIU has been responding to the training needs of local government. From finance to coaching, we’re bringing your team the professional development it needs to move forward and make a difference. LGIU member organisations enjoy a discount on all LGIU training!
Learn more here or check out all our current live training courses here.
About our speakers
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Cllr Liz Green – LGIU Associate Trainer
Cllr Liz Green has been a London borough councillor for over 20 years and works as a trainer, facilitator, coach and mentor for elected members all over the country. She has held numerous council positions in both administration and opposition, including council leader and leader of the opposition. She is currently Chair of the Health Overview Panel.
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Cllr Rachel Eden – LGIU Associate Trainer
Cllr Rachel Eden has been an elected member of a Unitary Authority since 2010, having served in a range of roles, including the opposition, cabinet member, committee chair, the Mayor and is currently the Lead Councillor for Education & Public Health.
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Dave Burn – LGIU Associate Trainer
Dave Burn is an independent consultant with over 35 years of local government experience and a former head of democratic services at a London borough. He specialises in governance, member development, mentoring and member/officer relations and works with a variety of authorities and public bodies.
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Jonathan Carr-West – Chief Executive, LGIU
Dr Jonathan Carr-West is the Chief Executive of LGIU (Local Government Information Unit), where he leads all aspects of policy, membership and influencing work. He is a leading national expert on local government transformation, local democracy and public services with an extensive media profile and sector credibility.