Birmingham’s ‘Be a Councillor’ sessions
In a powerful demonstration of local democracy, Birmingham City Council and the LGA recently delivered one of the most well-received ‘Be a Councillor’ programmes to date.
More than 100 attendees joined three initial taster sessions, marking a significant step in diversifying local government and inspiring future civic leaders.
The LGA’s Be a Councillor programme aims to demystify the role of a councillor and encourage people from all backgrounds to consider standing for election.
In Birmingham, the sessions were tailored to reflect the city’s diversity and democratic challenges, offering practical insights, lived experiences, and a clear pathway into public service.
Following the taster sessions, the programme moved into its next phase; in-depth sessions began in September, attracting more than 50 participants.
Attendees heard from the council’s deputy monitoring officer, joined panel discussions and explored the responsibilities of elected members.
The strong turnout reflects a growing appetite for inclusive civic participation and a shared commitment to community leadership.
The success of the Birmingham sessions was rooted in close collaboration between the city council and the LGA.
From planning to delivery, both organisations worked to ensure the events were inclusive, accessible, and relevant.
Held at the Council House, the sessions featured presentations, Q&As, and discussions with councillors, officers, and LGA peers.
“This wasn’t just about recruitment – it was about representation,” said Joanne Roney, Managing Director of Birmingham City Council.
“We want our council to reflect the people it serves, and that means breaking down barriers to participation.”
The Birmingham programme built on successful initiatives in other councils, showing how local ambition and national support can unlock potential and open doors to public service.
Being a councillor in the UK’s second city is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Councillors represent communities, make decisions on services, and shape the city’s future. In today’s climate, they must balance strategic oversight with grassroots engagement, often under financial pressure and public scrutiny.
The Be a Councillor programme helps ensure future leaders are equipped with the passion, understanding and resilience needed to serve effectively.
Birmingham’s diversity is one of its strengths, but like many councils, it has faced challenges in ensuring elected representatives reflect the population.
The sessions focused on engaging women, young people, disabled people, and individuals from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Promotion through community networks and grassroots organisations helped reach those who may not have considered standing before.
Representation is about lived experience and trust. Seeing someone like you in leadership sends a powerful message: you belong.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the sessions as ‘eye-opening’, ‘inspiring’, and ‘empowering’. Some have already expressed interest in standing for election.
The programme also sparked internal conversations about better support for councillors, especially those with caring responsibilities or accessibility needs.
The Birmingham experience offers a blueprint for other councils.
Its success came from genuine partnership, inclusive design, and responsiveness to community feedback.
As local government evolves, initiatives like Be a Councillor are vital to renewing democracy and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
- Find out more information about the LGA’s Be a Councillor programme, or email beacouncillor@local.gov.uk