Frequently Asked Questions – Council Culture

1. What is Council Culture?

Council Culture is a specialist training and consultancy service for town and parish councils in the UK. We help improve communication, culture, and strategy through bespoke workshops, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Learn more on our About page.

2. Who is Becky Walsh and why is she qualified to train councils?

Becky Walsh is a communications and training specialist with a decade of experience working with local government. She combines academic training in counselling and psychology with a background in comedy, performance, and organisational development. Her methods are grounded in Transactional Analysis, emotional intelligence, neuroscience and practical experience across councils of all sizes.

Becky believes that a healthy council culture promotes wellbeing in the community. Her values include clarity, compassion, and accountability. This approach supports councils to function more effectively and rebuild public trust.

3. What is civility and respect training for councils?

Civility and Respect Training equips councillors and officers with tools to manage conflict, improve relationships, and maintain professional boundaries. This training is aligned with the Local Government Association’s such as the SLCC Civility and Respect Project, and helps councils create psychologically safe, legally sound working environments.

4. How can councils resolve internal conflict?

Council Culture offers tailored conflict resolution sessions that include facilitated dialogue, behavioural frameworks like the Drama Triangle, and values-based agreements. Our approach creates lasting change by addressing the root causes of tension and power struggles within councils.

5. What is included in a council communications plan?

A strategic council communications plan includes stakeholder mapping, clear messaging frameworks, use of digital platforms, and crisis communication protocols. Council Culture offers workshops and consultancy to build or refine your comms plan to reflect both statutory requirements and community engagement best practice.

6. Do you offer support with council strategy and planning?

Yes. We facilitate collaborative strategy sessions to help councils define their goals, measure impact, and align officer and councillor priorities. This includes visioning workshops, annual planning, and performance frameworks.

7. What makes Council Culture’s training different?

Our training blends psychology, lived experience, and storytelling. Becky Walsh uses her background in theatre and comedy to create engaging sessions that are memorable and practical. Everything is tailored—no off-the-shelf training—and grounded in understanding how people learn, change, and lead.

8. Can humour really help improve council culture?

Absolutely. Humour, when used skilfully, lowers defences, builds connection, and opens space for honest conversations. Becky’s unique approach includes comedic training sessions that address serious issues, like psychopathy, bullying, or burnout, through the lens of psychology and performance.

9. What kinds of councils do you work with?

We work with town councils, parish councils, unitary authorities, and community partnerships and lawyers in local government. Whether you're a small rural parish or a growing urban council, we adapt training to fit your needs, political dynamics, and community context.

10. Do you work with officers, councillors, or both?

Both. Many of our sessions are designed to bring councillors and officers together in a shared space to understand roles, improve boundaries, and create a culture of mutual respect. We also offer separate sessions where appropriate.

11. Do you provide in-person and online training?

Yes. Council Culture offers both in-person workshops (across the UK) and online sessions. Travel costs and custom pricing apply for in-person sessions.

12. What are the benefits of investing in council training?

Training improves morale, reduces conflict, and helps councils deliver better outcomes for their communities. It builds capacity, ensures legal compliance, and supports the professional development of both councillors and officers.

13. How do we book training or request a quote?

You can book a call to discuss your needs or email becky@beckywalsh.com. We’ll provide a clear proposal with costs, timeframes, and any necessary travel or accommodation details.

14. Do you provide keynote talks or guest workshops?

Yes. Becky regularly delivers keynote sessions at conferences, regional training events, and council AGMs. Topics include leadership, community engagement, conflict, and the psychology of communication.

15. Are your services compliant with local government regulations?

Yes. All training aligns with current best practices, including the Nolan Principles, code of conduct requirements, and civility & respect guidelines. We also ensure GDPR and safeguarding compliance where relevant.