Membership

We are proud to be a member-owned and member-led organisation and we keep your priorities at the forefront of everything we do.

Through your organisation’s subscription, all council employees and elected members can access our membership offer. This includes advice and expertise, webinars and events, and practical support in the shape of Chief Executive appraisals and councillor development.

Our offer is designed to reflect the changing public sector environment, enabling us to innovate and evolve throughout the year. In addition to the specific membership programme outlined throughout this brochure, we are able to offer flexibility and tailor some of our support to your specific needs.

We want to make sure that you maximise the benefits of being a member. Through regular contact, we will find out what’s important to you and how our offer aligns with this.

Detailed below are the services included in your existing membership subscription with us, under our 3 priority areas.

Systems & Culture Change

Collaborative Masterclasses

We’re proud to be working in partnership with our partners to bring you a programme of Collaborative Masterclasses, designed to develop leaders across the North West. The collaborative are an influential partnership, formed from cross sector organisations in the North West, representing the NHS, health and social care and local government.

Working together means that we can add real value to the content of the programme and by combining our unique specialisms, the collaboration explores innovative thinking with expert speakers, to provide cross sector knowledge sharing for leaders across the North West.

National Organisational Development Network

We host the national OD network, which brings together OD practitioners from across the country for a programme of monthly development workshops and open spaces to collaborate and share learning on key areas of interest.

Supported by the LGA, this network is designed to increase national capability in the field of OD.

North West Organisational Development Network

The North West OD network is open to those working in organisational change, transformation and OD.

The network meets quarterly to share ideas and best practice on a local level and is supported by an online community of practice.

Community Leadership

Councillor Induction Programme

Our regional councillor induction programme provides newly elected councillors with a real life introduction to the role. This modular programme very much complements your own, in house induction. Led by an existing councillor, it is rooted in real experience.

This interactive programme is conversational and provides answers to questions that other councillors may wish they had known at the start of their political careers. Our councillor induction programme acts as an orientation and onboarding experience, bringing like minded councillors together in a cross-party environment.

North West Charter for Councillor Development

We believe that at the heart of any council dedicated to meeting the needs of its community there will also be a commitment to the development of its Councillors. This core principle underpins the North West Member Development Charter. We’ve been supporting councils across the North West in recognising and celebrating excellent practice since the charter was first introduced in 2001.

Using an established framework, councils undertake a self-assessment to review their good practice supporting and developing councillors to fulfil the vital role they play working with and supporting local communities; before a formal assessment process which is carried out by one of our team and a member of our Executive Board.

Networking Opportunities

Our networks give you the space to connect with colleagues and share new ideas. Combining guest speakers, group discussions and time to reflect, our networks stimulate discussion and networking. Our online communities enable peer support and resource sharing at any time.

Networks supporting community leadership are: North West Regional Leaders Board, Women in Political Leadership Forum, Strategic Scrutiny in Practice and Adults & Childrens Portfolio Holders meetings.

HR, Talent & Workforce

Chief Executive Appraisals

We provide independent and confidential support for Chief Executives through our annual appraisal offer. Every Chief Executive can access an annual appraisal and review. We work with Council Leaders to support the process of performance review and objective setting.

An Introductory Meeting for all new Chief Executives & Senior Leaders

We can support new members of your Senior Leadership Team as they begin their journey with you. We offer direct support in which we can help to identify bespoke needs and provide tailored solutions to achieve specific goals.

Regional Voice- Responding to National Consultations

As your representative voice for the North West we liaise with and undertake consultation to present the region’s viewpoints to the Local Government Association. This ensures the views and opinions of our membership organisations are central to national bargaining decisions, policy developments and government proposals for legislative change.

Strategic Relationships with Joint Trade Unions

As part of our constitutional role we have a Joint Regional Council as a platform to hold discussions with the Joint Trade Unions on strategic matters of mutual interest and opportunity. We also provide the employers secretary role for the region’s joint conciliation process for local disputes.

Participation in the National Association of Regional Employers

We are part of the National Association of Regional Employers (NARE) which includes representation across each of the English regions, Northern Ireland and Wales. This provides a strong sectoral voice on employer issues and provides a platform for collaborative working.

Expert HR Advice

For those times when you are navigating your most complex HR issues, you can access our expertise for sector specific employment advice.

Andrew Manson, Principal Adviser- Employee Relations & Employment Law, will keep you up to date on the latest advice and guidance through reviews, research and case law.

Monthly HR Webinar

Our monthly HR Webinars provide an informal but detailed look at current and developing HR issues.

They’re a great way to stay informed, share ideas, comment and ask questions.

Regional HR Networks

We work with HR professionals throughout the year by supporting, and contributing to, the regular HR network meetings and providing tailored updates on the latest developments, both nationally and regionally.