Leadership in public sector communications

This course, which is designed for current and aspiring Heads of Communication, explores the strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for the role. It is specifically designed to help participants address the development challenges they face as communication leaders, both within their teams and across the organisation.

Many current and aspiring leaders in communication do not receive much, if any, formalised leadership development support and training. However, as their careers progress, professional communicators in our sector often quickly acquire significant responsibilities as both team and organisational leaders. The course is therefore designed to explore the particular leadership challenges confronting professional communicators. It introduces different ways of thinking about leadership which have a positive practical impact and enhances how participants work with others in the challenging context of local government communication.

The course content builds on the experiences of those taking part and adapts to meet the specific needs of the cohort as the day unfolds. It therefore provides a unique and bespoke perspective on the practice of leadership in local government communication. The training further encourages networking and peer learning. For example, group discussion and problem-solving are encouraged throughout the day.

The course content explores specifically:  

• The characteristics of a good leader in local government communication
• Different ways of thinking about leadership
• Finding your own style
• Developing a repertoire of approaches for different situations
• ‘Speaking truth to power’
• Leading teams
• The importance of being reflective and encouraging reflection in others
  

   

Key outcomes:

• A personalised development plan designed to improve performance as a leader
• Practical skills that will better equip you to work with others in a challenging context
• Multiple approaches to challenging situations

Location:

Westminster Town Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP 

About the trainer: 

Dr Paul Willis is one of the UK’s leading academics in the field of leadership and strategic communication. Formerly a Professor of Corporate Communication at The University of Huddersfield, he is now Visiting Professor at Leeds Business School and Huddersfield Business School, while also running his own training and research consultancy.

Paul delivers many professional development programmes for communicators across local government and teaches the award-winning Master's in Strategic Communication Leadership for the GCS. His training is informed by the latest research, including his own books and journal articles. Paul has held a range of leadership and board-level positions in the communications industry before joining academia, ensuring his work is rooted in practical experience.