Community • Communication • Connection • Confidence
Creating Positive Council Communications - Why This Matters
Because when a council thrives, a community can thrive.
Because local leadership, when grounded in trust and clarity, changes lives.
Whilst most councils operate smoothly, it is easy for them to go astray.
Councils aren’t designed for collaboration, they’re designed for accountability. And that design, while democratic, sometimes adds tension. Members are elected, co-opted, not hired, you can’t remove them. Council complexity can create power struggles, personality clashes, and dysregulated behaviour. And if councils falter, communities feel it, not just emotionally but with their pocket, when internal conflicts lead to tribunals and payouts.
Councils are the first tier of democracy. They are the closest to the people they serve. With powers shifting from government to local government, they hold extraordinary potential to empower communities, build trust, foster belonging and well-being.
When communication is clear, relationships are strong, and leadership is human, it builds stronger local communities.
→ Community interest companies emerge.
→ Volunteering rises.
→ Loneliness, disconnection, and anxiety fall.
Councils are important and precious.
Councils are not just a layer of government. They are the platform for collective purpose.
And when we invest in councils, we invest in the well-being of everyone they serve.
What We Offer
Through practical tools and psychology-backed approaches, we empower councils to communicate purposefully and lead with impact.
In-person, online and hybrid talks and training.
Personal development training gives your teams an empowering understanding of human psychology.
A light comedy touch - When people get bored with a trainer, they stop listening, and you waste your money. People want to be entertained when they learn; it helps them remember and connect to the content.
For a real comedy - Say hello to a totally different kind of workplace training, delivered as a one-hour stand-up comedy show. Each show blends sharp comedy with real-world psychology to help teams reflect, reset, and reconnect. It’s fun, it's punchy, and there’s learning in the laughter.
Our one-to-one coaching helps councillors, clerks, and staff enhance leadership, build resilience, and develop confidence. Whether tackling workplace challenges, decision-making, or personal growth, coaching provides structured, expert guidance for success.
We also support neurodivergent councillors, clerks, and staff to thrive in local government roles.
Communications plan - Create a responsive communications strategy that reflects the needs of your community.
Create a strategic vision - Develop a dynamic, living strategy that evolves having the council’s values and mission at its heart.
Supporting the transition during devolution.
Council Culture helps parish, town and community councils build trust, encourage participation, and create communication strategies that make people feel heard, not talked at.
Championing Civility and Respect in Local Councils
At Council Culture, we recognise that effective governance thrives on mutual respect and professionalism. That's why we support the Civility & Respect Pledge, an initiative by the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), National Association of Local Councils (NALC), and One Voice Wales (OVW). Aimed at promoting a culture where bullying, harassment, and intimidation have no place in local government.
What is the Civility & Respect Pledge?
The pledge is a commitment by councils to uphold the highest standards of conduct, ensuring that all interactions. Whether among councillors, staff, or the public, are characterised by civility and respect. By signing the pledge, councils demonstrate their dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. SLCC
Why It Matters - In an era where local councils are taking on increased responsibilities with devolution, fostering a respectful and collaborative atmosphere is more critical than ever. A commitment to civility and respect not only enhances internal relationships but also builds public trust and encourages community engagement.
Council Culture is proud to align with the principles of the Civility & Respect Pledge.
