Local government is increasingly at the forefront of structural global changes in the post-pandemic labour market, leaving councils facing pressures over retention and recruitment challenges in almost every service area.

Exploring best practice across leading councils internationally, this Global Live Executive Panel will delve into the topic of workforce development and look at what councils need to prioritise to build the workforce of tomorrow.

Key areas for discussion will include:

• Misconceptions about working for local government and how to counteract them.
• The changing nature of a local government career and emphasis on values-based working.
• The skills that councils will need from their workforces in the future and how they can begin to address the shortage now.
• The impact of rapid demographic and climate change on service demand and workforce.
• Ensuring a workforce that is reflective of our communities.
• Ensuring a sustainable workforce pipeline that begins to target Gen Z.

This Global Executive Live Panel will bring together local government professionals from councils worldwide to share ideas, compare approaches and explore learning opportunities. The panel will look at the current workforce challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and analyse ways which councils can build the workforce of tomorrow through the recruitment and retention of high calibre and diverse candidates. 

Panellists include: 

• Allison Beckwith, CEO, Banyule City Council, Australia
• Jill Brown, CEO, Local Government Professionals Inc (LGPro), Australia
• Dawn Carter-Mcdonald, Chief Executive, Hackney, England