NALC and LGA event inspires future councillors and champions diversity
Our joint event with the Local Government Association (LGA), People in Action, brought together local government leaders to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to stand as councillors and make a positive difference in their communities.
The event set out the aims of the Make a Change and Be a Councillor campaigns before introducing the panel of speakers, which featured Lee Dunkley, county executive officer of Cornwall Association of Local Councils, Cllr Rosie Radford, the mayor of Oswestry and Cllr Jan Warwick, the deputy leader of Hampshire County Council. Each shared their personal journeys and practical advice for prospective candidates.
Lee Dunkley spoke about the support available for councils and the qualities that matter most in candidates. Drawing on his experience of working with over 200 councils, he emphasised that enthusiasm and commitment outweigh technical expertise, saying, "You do not need to be an expert in law or finance - you just need to care about your community and want to make a positive difference."
Cllr Rosie Radford shared her journey from community volunteer to dual-hatted councillor. She highlighted the sense of achievement that comes from shaping local decisions. She encouraged attendees to take the first step, stating, "If you've ever walked around your community and thought, I wish that were different, take that and bring it into a council meeting […] you are given all the training and support you need.
Cllr Jan Warwick reflected on her progression from parish to county level and the challenges of balancing responsibilities. She underlined that local government is about listening and representing, commenting, "Politics isn't really relevant. It's about being motivated to make a change and being the voice of common sense for your community."
The event also explored barriers to candidacy, such as time commitments and public exposure, and discussed practical steps to improve diversity, including flexible meeting times and better use of digital engagement.
Attendees were encouraged to visit our resources for guidance on standing for election. With local elections scheduled for May 2026 and beyond, the message was clear: if you care about your community, you can make a change.
