As with the previous year we are trying a different approach to the application process. We want to be open to everyone who has an interest in the Future Leaders course and to recognise that different people shine in different ways.
You can submit your application to us in any format you see fit: video, podcast clip, animation, presentation, written, spoken…the choice is very much yours. Please keep any audio, video or animation content to less than three minutes, written content to no more than 750 words and presentations to 10 slides or less. Bring your personality to your application: we want to get a great sense of the real you! We recognise that AI can be a valuable tool for some applicants in developing their applications. However, it is essential to use AI responsibly and with sound judgement.
There are some core themes we are looking for in every application:
- About you and your professional experience – your current role and your career history
- Why you are applying – what makes this the right time in your career to join the course?
- What you hope to gain from the experience – what will be valuable to you and why?
- What you hope to give to the course – you’ll be with a group of others and one of the best parts of the course is the bonds you will form, so what can you bring that will be of value to others?
- What your ambitions are – that could be a Head of Comms role but it doesn’t have to be: we’re interested in where you genuinely want to go and how this course will help you get there
- What drives you – why do you do the work you do now, and what do you want to do in the future?
If you want to check if your format will be suitable before you get underway please contact hello@lgcomms.org.uk to check. And please don’t spend money on your application: this is about getting to know you, and your skills, in the way that works best for you!
At LGcomms, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment within public sector communications. If you encounter any barriers related to protected characteristics or socio-economic factors that may impact your career development and progression, please highlight this in your application.
If you have any additional needs, please inform us so we can implement reasonable adjustments as part of the selection process, or by emailing hello@lgcomms.org.uk
Carly Hoyle, Future Leader graduate 2018 shares her thoughts on how the programme helped her:
“I have recently accepted the role as Head of Corporate Communications at BCP Council – one of the largest urban local authorities in the land. Having gone through a competitive recruitment which attracted a high calibre of candidates and where the standard was extremely high I can hand on heart say it was my development through Future Leaders that gave me the grounding to confidently step up and take the opportunities in readiness for this new role. The learning and support through the programme itself, as well as the ongoing peer to peer support through my fantastic cohort of colleagues makes Future Leaders for me one of the best career development programmes for anyone wanting to progress as a strategic leader in local government communications.”