The Covid-19 pandemic presented unique and extraordinary challenges for all those working in local authorities, requiring pragmatic, creative leadership not only from leaders and monitoring officers, but also from many officers and lawyers stepping into positions of leadership for the first time and taking on new and often unfamiliar responsibilities. As we move into a post-pandemic world, what kind of leadership is now needed in the face on ongoing uncertainty and unpredictable challenges?

Wherever you are in your career and whatever your aspirations, developing leadership skills is vital. Whether you are head of legal, monitoring officer, DMO or team leader, expanding and broadening your management and leadership skills will enable you to lead confidently through periods of uncertainty and develop your strategic contribution.

Chaired by Helen Lynch, Head of Legal and Democratic Services at Durham County Council, LLG’s Leadership Conference will feature sessions from prominent speakers on the most up to date issues currently facing those in senior and leadership roles in local authorities.

We are delighted to welcome Lord Evans of Weardale, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, as our keynote speaker, talking about leadership in practice and the role of leadership in embedding the principles of public life.

The Conference will feature a session on leading through turmoil and crisis, before delegates hear from Bethan Evans, leading governance trainer and consultant and a recognised expert in local authority governance, talking about collective responsibility for standards of conduct in a toothless system.

The afternoon will include a session from Claire Ward, partner at Anthony Collins and former monitoring officer, director of governance and legal services and acting deputy chief executive at Herefordshire Council, on legal leadership and adding value as a lawyer in a position of leadership, before a final talk on risk management and decision making.

Please note that when making a group booking, you must book on the 'main' delegate and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the names, job titles and email addresses of all other delegates who will be attending. 

About the speaker:

Lord Evans of Weardale

Chair, Committee on Standards in Public Life

Lord Evans of Weardale was appointed as Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on 25 October 2018 for a five-year term.

Jonathan Evans spent 33 years in the UK Security Service, six as Director-General. During his career, he has worked on counter-espionage and counter-terrorism, both international and domestic, including initiatives against cyber threats. He retired from the Security Service in April 2013. He was appointed as a crossbench peer for his contribution to public service by the Prime Minister in 2014 and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2013 New Year Honours List.

He is a Director of Ark Data Centres Ltd and a member of the Public Interest Committee of KPMG UK. He advises a number of private sector boards involved in cyber security and technology. Lord Evans is also Chair of the Kent Search and Rescue charity and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.