Change, Managing - During Local Government Reorganisation
Category
Management Development
Pathway
Preparing for LGR
Audience
A highly practical programme for managers who will have responsibility for implementing change as a result of local government reorganisation in England. The workshop looks at the support they can offer employees and how they are able to look after their own wellbeing during the process.
Overview
The English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024 sets out the case for local government reorganisation claiming that unitarization can cut wasteful duplication of bodies, reduce the number of politicians and reduce fragmentation of public services. A key component of the change will be service transformation, supporting improvements in delivery by bringing together service elements such as supported housing, social care and homelessness in the same organisation. The changes are likely to be sweeping and will impact the day-to-day work of local authority employees across the board.
This training programme is aimed at supporting managers who will be at the forefront of
implementing change. Their challenges will include organising, encouraging and supporting employees through active engagement throughout the process. At the same time, they need to be able to look after themselves, remaining resilient and avoiding the possible consequences of pressure turned to stress.
Duration
2 days
Delegate rate
Approximately £100 per day per delegate. Charges depend on how many delegates book.
Aims
To provide managers who have responsibility for implementing change with an insight into the dynamics at play during transformational change and practical skills for encouraging and supporting their staff during the process, while maintaining their own resilience and wellbeing.
On completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Describe the different types of change and identify how these definitions relate to their own change examples
- Explain the characteristics of the change process and how systems, processes and people are impacted
- Describe a framework for managing the stages of the change process and the principles behind the framework
- Identify their stakeholders and develop strategies for communicating with them during the change process
- Understand how the leader can influence strategically during the change process and identify which skills are required to do that effectively
- Explain the importance of trust in motivating and encouraging others to embrace change and how to enhance trust through rapport
- Describe how to maximise the engagement of staff and encourage innovation by removing the barriers to staff involvement
- Explain the importance of maintaining momentum during the change process, starting with short term wins to build motivation, building on early successes and reinforcing change to ensure it is embedded in the new culture
- Explain the different responses people have towards change and why some people find it difficult and resist change
- Make a personalised assessment of their own team’s readiness for change and identify approaches they might employ to overcome resistance and improve the chances of success
- Support others through change by recognising the emotional impact of change and adopting appropriate responses according to the individual’s needs at any point in time
- Identify their own vulnerability to stress during the change process and strategies they can employ to boost their resilience and avoid the consequences of excessive pressure
- Explain how reframing can overcome limiting beliefs and enhance their ability to succeed
- Understand how focusing on issues within their locus of control rather than those outside it offers choice and diminishes the feeling of being a victim of circumstances
- Recognise, when faced with unreasonable demands, the importance of being able to say ‘no’ to manage pressure, limit stress and avoid burnout.
Self-Study
The workshop will be preceded by a self-study assignment including:
- Reading and reflective exercises about:
- The Types and Nature of Change
- Communicating the Rationale for Change
- Influencing Strategically
- Engaging Their Team
In addition, they will be asked to:
- Watch the Simon Senek TED talk, ‘Start with Why’
- Complete the Influencing Strategically questionnaire
- Complete the Innovation Capability Audit (supplied as an Excel file)
Participants will be asked to share and build on their examples during the various practical sessions throughout the workshop.
Workshop Programme
Day 1
- Self-Study Review
- The Types and Nature of Change
- Leading Change
- Kotter’s Eight Step Approach
- Kotter’s Four Change Principles
- Stakeholder Analysis
- Communicate Your Vision
- Influencing Strategically
- Building and Maintaining Trust
- Encouraging Innovation
- Embedding Change
Day 2
- Resistance to Change
- Reactions to Change
- Common Causes of Resistance
- Overcoming Resistance
- Supporting Others Through Change
- Bridges’ Transition Model
- Kubler-Ross Change Curve
- Identifying and Managing Stress
- What is Stress?
- Leading to Burnout
- Looking After Yourself
- Life Positions
- Reframing
- Circles of Influence and Concern
- Feeling Comfortable Saying ‘No’
- Action Planning
18 September 2025 at 10:00 and 19 September 2025 at 10:00
Elmbridge Borough Council
13 spaces remaining