Starting in January 2027, Elevate is the first learning programme of its kind dedicated to developing the next generation of scrutiny leaders.
After building a core understanding of effective scrutiny, you’ll choose a pathway for technical expertise or leadership development – each designed to equip you with the knowledge and capability you and your authority need.
Delivered through modules and peer learning, you’ll be able to apply everything you learn to your work as you progress.
Why Elevate?
For councils and combined authorities, scrutiny is a vital engine room for policy and service improvement, democratic accountability and effective governance.
Officers must have a technical understanding of how scrutiny operates in a complex environment. But effective scrutiny also depends on genuine leadership capability – working across political groups, administrations, services and, increasingly, with wider partners. That is why Elevate is designed to flex to your ambitions and strengths, and to your authority’s needs.
How it works
Tested and developed through a full pilot last year, Elevate is a dynamic, nine-module programme, delivered over seven months from January to July 2027. Each half-day module is delivered online, occurring every three to four weeks.
After five core modules, you can choose from a leadership pathway or a technical scrutiny expertise pathway, with each one designed to fit your ambitions.
- Nine online half-day modules delivered every three to four weeks
- Practical tasks and research between sessions to embed learning
- Exclusive small-group working to ensure a tight network
- Connect with a cohort of changemakers, forming a best-practice community
Core module topics include:
- Scrutiny and leadership
- Culture
- Planning for success
More than a programme - a professional community
We have designed the course around group work to ensure a close, positive working environment. You will join a peer network, provided by CfGS, for the duration of the programme. This will be set up so everyone who is taking part can discuss their learning and work together.
Pricing & what’s included
We’re offering Elevate at just £1,500 + VAT.
Included in the price:
✔ Full access to five core modules and access to one learning pathway of your choice
✔ Engagement with other industry professionals, providing a direct line of contact with CfGS
✔ A close network of participants to lean on and learn from
Interested? Act now - places are limited
These sessions will be scheduled for Friday 9AM-1:30PM, every three-four weeks, beginning on the 8th of January. We will be running a find out more session on the 3rd November at 10AM-10:45AM.
Register to attend the find out more session.
We are now accepting expressions of interest for the 2027 cohort. If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you’ve been waiting for and you’re able to provisionally secure the budget, express your interest and detail why you would like this opportunity.
Applications will close on the 16th of November.
Contact evie.enever@cfgs.org.uk or sarah.fenn@cfgs.org.uk if you have any questions.
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