The Role of the Civic Head

This half-day seminar is provided annually, on a regional basis, on behalf of the National Association of Civic Officers, by EXPERIENCE2INSPIRE LTD.

We are a training consultancy, providing this NACO approved seminar. It is delivered by Phil O'Brien (NACO Exec member and a former Head of Democratic Services, with 41 years experience of supporting civic heads) and Jackie O'Brien ( a learning and development professional, with 36 years experience in retail, transport, engineering and local government sectors)

The seminar is aimed at prospective and new Civic Heads, their Deputies, their Mayoress/Consort and all Civic Support Officers.

The interactive session will explore:

• Expectations from a range of perspectives, including:
  • yours as incoming Mayor/Chair
  • the public’s and
  • the Council’s
•  Measures of success for your term of office
• Skills and Qualities of a great civic head
• Short introductory sessions on:
  • Chairing Full Council – delegates should bring their own council’s Council Procedure Rules
  • Public Speaking
  • Social Media

There will also be an opportunity for questions from delegates – those submitted in advance of the session and arising during the workshop.

As our 2025 programme develops we will add dates and venues below, so please visit regularly to check for your region.

EAST OF ENGLAND - BRENTWOOD - Tuesday 22 April

Brentwood Borough Council, Council Chamber, Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AY 

Whilst we appreciate you may not be able to confirm names at this point, you can still book a place and confirm the names when known. 

How to Book – Please register your interest by contacting  Zoey Foakes  zoey.foakes@brentwood.gov.uk 01277312733 | Ext 2733

LONDON – KENSINGTON & CHELSEA - Thursday 24 April

Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX

Whilst we appreciate you may not be able to confirm names at this point, you can still book a place and confirm the names when known. 

How to Book – Please register your interest by contacting Phil and Jackie O’Brien  

 jobpob@talk21.com 07539275911 or 07891295089

SOUTHWEST – WESTON-SUPER-MARE – Wednesday 30 April

Weston-super-Mare Town Council, 32 Waterloo Street BS23 1LW

Whilst we appreciate you may not be able to confirm names at this point, you can still book a place and confirm the names when known. 

How to Book – Please register your interest by contacting Rebecca Saunders

rebecca.saunders@wsm-tc.gov.uk or 01934 632567

WEST MIDLANDS – SANDWELL – Friday 16 May (date changed from 1 May to avoid elections)

Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury B69 3DB

Whilst we appreciate you may not be able to confirm names at this point, you can still book a place and confirm the names when known. 

How to Book – Please register your interest by contacting Ruth Darby

ruth_darby@sandwell.gov.uk or 07388 386459 

EAST MIDLANDS COUNCILS – NORTH KESTEVEN – Tuesday 20 May

The Council Chamber, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF

Whilst we appreciate you may not be able to confirm names at this point, you can still book a place and confirm the names when known. 

How to Book – Please register your interest by contacting Lisa Butterfill

lisa.butterfill@emcouncils.gov.uk or 01664 502627

If you would like further information, or want to reserve places, please use the contact listed for each event.