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SHORT COURSE

Leadership Course: Leading in Local Government

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$ 698.00

START DATE

 21 May

MODE

 On Campus (Sydney)

DURATION

 1 day

COMMITMENT

 8 hrs
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Lead presenter

Vanessa Chan

Vanessa Chan
Associate Professor, UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance

Vanessa is a contemporary public sector leader with a reputation for innovation and driving sectoral transformation. She has over 20 years of experience in strategy and operations across various NSW metropolitan Councils, including almost a decade in executive management. This includes successfully leading Ashfield Council as General Manager before being appointed to lead the Inner West Council merger.

Recently, Vanessa has been working in top-tier private sector consulting, including as a Director with the Public Sector Practice at Deloitte and Senior Associate at Spencer Maurice. She has worked with the National City District Commission in Port Moresby (PNG’s only local government authority) supporting the Governor to better align local government operations to emerging strategic priorities.

Vanessa is a member of the NSW Ministerial Advisory Group for Local Government, Chair of Head Start Homes, an innovative new social enterprise supporting First Nation families move from social housing into home ownership.

More Less

This leadership course for local government focuses on unique aspects of leading in local government and its broader political and social context, including the principles and practices of public administration.

About this course

This leadership course will offer a comprehensive understanding of governance structures, management theory, contemporary leadership frameworks and strategic decision-making within a local government context and its related challenges. It is designed to enhance your leadership capabilities and empower current and aspiring leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to excel within the local government context.

The course teachings are based on evidence and rigour, drawing on cutting edge theory and practice relating to leadership development. The program is highly interactive and encourages self-reflection in relation to your leadership development, with the workshop closing with a self-reflection ‘check-out’ exercise.

Key benefits of this course

By the conclusion of this course, you should have:

  • Developed an understanding of the role of local government in the broader social and political context
  • Have a deeper appreciation of the principles and practices of local government and how it has evolved over time
  • Deep dived into management theory, structure and practice and contemporary leadership models
  • The ability to actively contribute to the development of collective and collaborative leadership within council 
  • Understanding and growth of your leadership impact.

Digital badge and certificate

A digital badge and certificate will be awarded following the successful completion of any necessary tasks or assessments to demonstrate acquired learning of the short course or for meeting attendance and/or participation requirements.

Learn more about UTS Open digital badges.

Course outline

The following topics will be covered during this leadership course:

  • Why local government matters
  • Scope, scale and history of local government in Australia
  • Public sector and management theory
  • Contemporary leadership frameworks
  • Local government context and challenges.

Price 

Full price: $698 (GST free)*

*Price subject to change. Please check price at time of purchase. 

Delivery style

The leadership course uses a blend of presentation, discussion, case in point teaching, consultation in pairs, group exercises and individual take-away tasks to put into practice learnings in the workplace. This training approach allows you to work through concepts introduced by the presenter in an application-focused teaching environment. You will challenge your understanding of the concepts and consider their application once back in your individual workplace.

Leadership course series

This leadership course has no prerequisites and is open to all members of the public. The course is one of five leadership courses in our Leading in Local Government series. Select the combination of courses from the list below that will meet your learning needs.

Enrolment conditions

Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions. 

COVID-19 response 

UTS complies with latest Government health advice. Delivery of all courses complies with the UTS response to COVID-19.

Contact us

If you have a specific question on course content or requirements, please email ippg.learning@uts.edu.au

Who is this course for?

This leadership course is designed for:

  • Local government managers looking to build their knowledge of management and organsitional theory
  • Managers new to the local government sector
  • Local government practitioners embarking on or aspiring to leadership roles
  • Public or private sector practitioners looking to build their understanding of management and leadership in local government.

Book a session

Wed 21 May 2025-
Wed 21 May 2025
Expert: Vanessa Chan
  • UTS City Campus. Click on the underlined sessions and hours total link below to reveal specific session details.
  • On Campus (Sydney)
  • 1 session, 8 hours total
$ 698.00

Enrolments close at Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 9am AEST, or when all places have been filled, whichever occurs first.

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Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

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