The local elections are over, the sun is shining, and new councillors begin to understand the reality of the task ahead of them.
I have just started my second four-year term as a councillor in Blackpool and am continuing as the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment. As I go into my second term, I've been reflecting on the difference in attitudes towards elected representatives and the workplace, specifically around training and development.
Newly-elected councillors across the country will be working out where they want to add value in their local communities. Many admirably wish to focus on the climate crisis, making their organisations progress towards net zero faster. But whisper it, unless they (and their councils!) invest in themselves through training, knowledge and skills, they'll inevitably struggle to overcome the political, organisational and public engagement challenges that this colossal task requires.
For me, the climate crisis is about people. It's about what my generation leaves for the next. It's an opportunity to tackle stubborn inequalities that have persisted and could be exacerbated. I am a true ‘sandgrownun' i.e. born in Blackpool, as are my parents. I qualified as a youth and community worker in 1993 and ran a charity for homeless young people in Blackpool. I have a postgraduate leadership certificate and have always been interested in social action.
Having consistently taken a proactive approach to development in my professional career, I didn't see why my political role should be different. Last year, I joined UK100's Climate Leadership Academy, the only comprehensive net zero training course designed by politicians for politicians. Together with 20 other cabinet members and leaders, we spent three weekends learning about the approaches, skills, policy interventions and technologies needed to deliver a genuinely local net zero pathway.
Being on the course helped me take a much-needed break from the day-to-day and reflect on where we were and what else we could do. Being surrounded by colleagues across political and demographic boundaries, I felt challenged, supported and inspired to do more.
At the end of the course, it was apparent that the wholesale systems transformations required for net zero won't be achieved unless we upskill our decision-makers.
Like every council, Blackpool has unique challenges but common opportunities in getting to net zero. Being at the Climate Leadership Academy gave me the chance to check for best practices and take inspiration from others. Far too many of us rely on the guidance and expertise of a handful of officers - which is inevitably risky.
Yet, training budgets are seen as the low-hanging fruit in the ongoing austerity of council budgets. But cutting back on development today will inevitably lead to problems tomorrow. As a sector, we need to value this investment, and as councillors, we must push ourselves to take the opportunities available.
As a chief executive of a charity for homeless young people, I've seen the transformative effect of how open minds, support and perseverance change lives. Partnerships, coaching and support need to be the bread and butter of our approach to public policy. Rather than hoping that technology imposed on communities provides us with quick solutions. I advise the new cohort of new politicians to take advantage of the training opportunities out there - especially the Climate Leadership Academy.
You'll be expected to guide and decide on some of the most significant upheavals in generations. Give yourself every chance of success by carving out time to develop your skills, knowledge and techniques. It'll be the best investment you make.
Cllr Jane Hugo is the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment at Blackpool Council.
The closing date for applications to UK100's Climate Leadership Academy is Friday June 16th, 2023.
