Event Date: 24 Sep 2025 10:00 - 11:30

Location: Virtually via MS Teams

Cost: Free

Networking

As you know our #buildawindmill conversation is well underway. In a nutshell, we’ve started to explore the new era of leadership, the shifting shape of careers, AI’s role in the way we work, and how we transfer knowledge across generations. In fact some of you will have been part of more than just talk, but experimentation with the AI From Fear to Fearless training and Squiggly testing.

The conversation is about to get even better.

The challenges facing local government aren’t waiting. Budgets are tightening. AI is advancing, demographics are shifting, and expectations of work are evolving. If we want to future-proof our organisations, we need to build momentum together - rethinking leadership, redesigning workforce models, and shaping new ways of working.

So in addition to all that we’ve started, this is what we’re going to throw into the mix for 2025 – 26:

• AI & human collaboration – moving beyond the "replace or don’t replace" debate to rethink work design, maintaining ethical leadership and public trust
• Rebuilding the social contract – how do we create careers in local government that are purpose-driven, flexible, and intergenerational?
• From windmills to weather systems – how do we move from reacting to anticipating with strategic workforce planning, building those succession and talent pipelines?
• The skills conundrum – preparing today’s workforce for jobs that don’t yet exist.
• Evolving OD for strategic influence – how do we refine our OD toolkit (systems thinking, scenario planning, behavioural insight etc) to stay ahead of the challenges

As OD professionals, we know that real transformation doesn’t happen by chance - it happens by design. Yet our expertise can be overlooked, our strategic value under-utilised. This space isn’t just about conversation; it’s about ensuring OD is at the heart of organisational change, shaping not just responses to challenges, but the systems, cultures, and leadership that will define the future. Collectively, we can anticipate what’s ahead and shape our councils ability to #buildawindmill.

We know your time is precious, and with so many networks and meetings competing for space in your diary, choosing where to invest your energy isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re keeping it simple in the year ahead - just one catch-up per quarter. Four sessions a year to connect, challenge thinking, and explore the future together (with a good dose of fun along the way!).

We’d love to have you with us.

Invite Only