We are excited to announce the launch of a new training scheme designed to enhance the skills and impact of communications professionals across local government.
The Future Comms Team programme is being developed for Comms Officers at any level and aims to provide them with the digital skills to authoritatively manage the modern demands of a council communications function.
The programme will build on the success of LGcomms Future Leaders and the Zero to Hero webinar series and will deliver expertise across a wide range of subjects with both strategic and tactical applications.
During an engaging session at LGcomms Academy in Bristol, members heard about the plans for the programme and provided extensive feedback on what they would like to see it cover.
Andrew Hadfield-Ames from Southend City Council commented, “As councils grapple with reduced budgets for training and a rapidly evolving communications landscape, we want to ensure that our colleagues have the opportunity to gain vital skills relevant to their evolving roles.”
The programme will be delivered free to members, with the support of LGcomms’ trusted partners; CAN, e-shot and Orlo, who will each provide specialist training on their respective areas.
- Orlo helps you understand public sentiment through social listening, manage your social presence effectively, and build relationships and trust with communities.
- CAN amplifies your message through strategic media buying, reaching the right audiences at the right time.
- And e-shot empowers you to engage directly with people through personalised and automated campaigns that build engagement and drive behaviour change.
LGcomms is looking to launch a pilot programme in Autumn 2025 with a mix of webinars, distance learning, live events and supporting materials across a range of subjects. Some will be more strategic in nature as the programme looks at areas such as brand, stakeholder engagement and income generation. Whilst more practical sessions on digital accessibility, AI tools and short-form video will offer timely support in areas of tactical delivery.
The long-term aim of the programme is to help professionalise the communications role within councils. The pilot will incorporate an element of testing and certification whilst offering those who participate an immediate benefit.
Members who are interested in participating in the pilot have until12th September to register here: