The Local Government Challenge is an annual competition and leadership development programme for local government officers.
Over six months, 10 officers undertake five real-life challenges at councils up and down the country, culminating in a final event at the LGA’s annual conference in Harrogate (2-4 July), in which four finalists pitch their project proposals to delegates and a judging panel.
The winner takes away the prestigious Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship, worth up to £10,000, to realise their proposal back at their home council.
A unique learning and development opportunity, officers across different levels and service areas broaden their knowledge and hone the key skills required to succeed as a leader in local government.
Contestants are supported to step out of their comfort zone, generate transformational ideas, and inspire and motivate, as well as establish a peer network for the future.
Host councils receive valuable consultancy by developing a challenge specific to a real-life local issue, drawing on the expertise of 10 officers who work together on innovative solutions and offer fresh perspectives.
We are delighted to launch the 2024 programme, reveal this year’s cohort, and announce that the first challenge will be hosted by Newcastle City Council. There, our contestants will be tested on their ability to think on the spot, work as part of a team, and deliver results to a tight deadline.
Meet our cohort of talented officers (below) who were recently selected from councils from Greater London, the North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.
The Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship has kindly been supported by Essex and Kent County Councils since the inception of the Local Government Challenge in 2009, in memory of Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, a former Leader of Kent County Council and a former Chairman of the LGA. Follow the #LGChallenge journey on the LGA’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@LocalGovAssoc, on X at twitter.com/LGChallenge, and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/lg-challenge.
The contestants
Hannah Barton, Policy and Projects Officer, Stroud District Council
“The Local Government Challenge provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse and talented group of officers and learn from their different approaches to tackling challenges.
“I believe it’s important to embrace change to ensure we are prepared for the future and can face the unexpected.
“The LG Challenge will push me out of my comfort zone and provide me with skills and experience to innovate and solve problems creatively.”
Ramisa Yazdani Biouki, Strategy Officer, London Borough of Barnet
“I believe in continuous self-development, achieved by throwing yourself in the deep end!
“I would love to grow my confidence, see how far my unconventional thinking takes me in scenarios across the country, and bring back best practice.
“I envision a long and impactful career in local government, and I want to develop the leadership and decision-making skills necessary to deliver efficient and compassionate services.”
Kerry Challoner, Principal Planning Officer (Team Leader), Lichfield District Council
“I applied to take part in the LG Challenge to push me out of my comfort zone, build my confidence in my own capabilities and develop my leadership skills.
“I am interested to meet others, and get an insight into challenges other authorities are facing and how they are tackling them.
“I hope to not only enhance my existing skills, but also discover different ways of dealing with issues, to benefit my council and our residents.”
Martin Chastney, Head of Development, Cheltenham Borough Council
“When the LG Challenge visited Cheltenham, it generated considerable excitement and interest that remains alive today.
“Having only joined local government relatively recently, I am particularly keen to see the challenges and solutions faced by other authorities, and find ways in which I can apply these in my current role.
“I also hope my experience of working in a variety of organisations may be helpful to others.”
Marelize De Beurs, Economy and Place Marketing Manager, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
“In serving the people and businesses I see when looking outside my window, I am acutely aware of my duty to have a positive impact on people, place and planet.
“Grappling with real-world challenges beyond the scope of the day job, alongside talented officers from diverse backgrounds, will accelerate my understanding in a way that no course could, and result in learnings and connections that will last a lifetime.”
Helen Gelder, Head of ICT and Digital, North East Lincolnshire Council
“I’ve worked in local government for just over 33 years and held numerous roles during this time, building my knowledge and experience of public sector services.
“I see this as a great opportunity to further develop through collaboration, problem solving and looking at new ways of tackling the current challenges. I am excited to experience new perspectives and work with others from a range of services and backgrounds.”
Jack Pearce, Senior External Affairs Officer, Buckinghamshire Council
“I wanted to take part in the LG Challenge to broaden my skills, expand my networks, and gain insight into new areas of local government, including how other authorities with different political dynamics work.
“I am excited to tackle tasks that require thinking creatively and strategically, and to meet new people across the sector with similar ambitions to improve services and outcomes for residents.”
Faith Scott Deuchar, Strategy and Change Delivery Lead, London Borough of Islington
“There were so many reasons I applied for LG Challenge, but one of the most important was the opportunity to test innovative solutions and solve problems in service areas with which I am not familiar.
“Public sector leaders today require more than subject-matter expertise, and I hope the programme will allow me to develop these skills, and learn from the experiences and approaches of colleagues.”
Che-kwon Sterling, Transformation and Change Manager, London Borough of Hounslow
“This challenge offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, improving problem-solving capabilities, nurturing innovation, and aligning with my aspiration to become an inspiring leader for vulnerable individuals.
“My participation is driven by a profound commitment to making a positive impact, ultimately serving the council and the wellbeing of care leavers in our community.”
Adam Towers, Project Officer, Wigan Council
“LG Challenge presents a unique opportunity for me to build on my skills, apply theory to practical challenges, possibly win the Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship, and, most of all, connect and learn from other local government officers.
“I am keen to visit different authorities, meet new people, and gain a deeper understanding of the many issues, strengths, and opportunities for development and growth across local government.”