ADD ADVICE TO FAVLocal government manager
Local government managers take responsibility for the smooth running of a local council department or facility, such as finance, environmental health, leisure centres or waste collection.
What local government managers do
- consider long-term strategies
- plan and manage their area
- set targets and implement them
- deal with staffing issues
- control a budget
- attend committee meetings to report on progress and activities.
Key skills for local government managers
- good communication skills
- IT skills
- ability to manage resources
- good level of numeracy
- ability to inspire others
- time-management
- planning skills.
Training to be a local government manager
IDeA manages a National Graduate Development Programme (ngdp) for local government. Thiis aims to recruit the senior managers and chief executives of the future.
Placements with a host authority cover three areas: strategy, front line and corporate support. The scheme also offers short residential courses and a postgraduate diploma.
Some councils run their own graduate training programmes. Many councils also recruit graduates and offer training in particular occupational areas, such as planning, legal work, personnel, policy and research, and many more.
Salaries for local government managers
The ngdp offers a fixed-term, two-year contract at a salary of £21,588 (plus London weighting when appropriate).
Other local government salaries vary according to the location and type of job.
