Navigating Political Change in Local Government: A Guide for Officers
- truthaboutlocalgov
- May 28
- 5 min read
When you choose a career in local government, you are stepping into a dynamic and often unpredictable political environment. Unlike many other professions, working in local government means operating within a framework shaped by elected members—individuals chosen by the community to represent their interests and deliver on political mandates. These elected officials bring with them ideologies, priorities, and visions that can shift dramatically with each election cycle.
As a local government officer, your role is not to engage in politics but to serve the public by implementing the decisions of those who have been democratically elected. This can be challenging, especially when political control changes or when the direction of the council shifts in ways that conflict with your personal beliefs or professional preferences. However, your civic duty remains constant: to provide high-quality, strategic services that support the council’s vision, regardless of political ideology.
This blog aims to equip you with the mindset, tools, and strategies to navigate political change effectively, ensuring that you and your team continue to thrive and deliver excellence in public service.
Understanding the Nature of Political Change
Political change is an inherent part of democratic governance. Local elections can result in new leadership, revised priorities, and even complete overhauls of existing policies. These changes can be unsettling, particularly when they lead to:
Personnel changes at the senior leadership level
Revised strategic plans or budget reallocations
Shifts in organisational culture or tone
Increased scrutiny or pressure from new elected members
As Sir Bob Kerslake, former Head of the Civil Service, once said:
“The role of the public servant is to serve the government of the day to the best of their ability, with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.”
This principle is especially relevant in local government, where officers must remain apolitical while adapting to the evolving priorities of elected members.
The Officer-Member Relationship: A Delicate Balance
One of the most critical aspects of working in local government is managing the relationship between officers and elected members. This relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to serving the public.
Key Principles for a Strong Officer-Member Relationship:
Clarity of Roles: Officers provide professional advice and implement decisions; members set policy and make political decisions.
Respect and Professionalism: Even when disagreements arise, maintaining a respectful and professional tone is essential.
Transparency and Communication: Keep members informed, provide clear options, and avoid surprises.
Impartiality: Serve all members equally, regardless of political affiliation.
As one senior officer put it:
“You don’t have to agree with the politics, but you do have to respect the mandate.”
Coping with Political Change: Strategies for Officers
Whether you’re facing a minor reshuffle or a major political shift, the following strategies can help you and your team navigate the transition effectively.
1. Stay Grounded in Your Purpose
Remind yourself why you chose public service. Your commitment is to the community, not to a particular political ideology. Focus on the outcomes you’re helping to achieve—safer streets, better schools, cleaner parks—and let that guide your work.
“Public service is about making a difference, not making a point.”
2. Understand the New Political Landscape
Take time to understand the priorities, values, and goals of the new administration. Read their manifestos, listen to their speeches, and attend briefings. This will help you anticipate changes and align your work accordingly.
Ask yourself:
What are the new administration’s top priorities?
How do these align or conflict with existing strategies?
What opportunities exist to support their vision while maintaining service quality?
3. Build Relationships Early
Reach out to new members and offer briefings on your service area. Help them understand the challenges, constraints, and opportunities. Building trust early can prevent misunderstandings later.
Tips for effective engagement:
Be concise and jargon-free
Focus on outcomes and community impact
Offer solutions, not just problems
4. Support Your Team Through Change
Political change can create anxiety among staff. Be proactive in communicating what’s happening, what it means, and how you’re responding. Encourage open dialogue and provide reassurance where possible.
Consider:
Holding team briefings to share updates
Creating safe spaces for staff to express concerns
Offering training or coaching on resilience and change management
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
5. Maintain Professional Integrity
You may be asked to implement policies you personally disagree with. As long as they are lawful and ethical, your duty is to deliver them to the best of your ability. If you have concerns, raise them through appropriate channels, but avoid letting personal views interfere with your professional responsibilities.
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1: Conflicting Priorities
New administrations may deprioritise or cancel projects you’ve invested time and energy in.
Solution: Reframe your work in terms of the new priorities. Look for ways to adapt or repurpose existing initiatives to align with the new direction.
Challenge 2: Increased Scrutiny
New members may question past decisions or demand more oversight.
Solution: Be transparent, provide evidence-based explanations, and welcome scrutiny as a chance to demonstrate value.
Challenge 3: Morale and Motivation
Staff may feel demoralised if their work is criticised or devalued.
Solution: Celebrate achievements, recognise contributions, and keep the focus on the positive impact of your work.
Leading Through Change: Advice for Senior Officers
If you’re in a leadership role, your influence is critical in setting the tone and guiding your team through uncertainty.
Key Leadership Actions:
Model calm and confidence: Your team will take cues from your behaviour.
Communicate frequently: Even if there’s little new information, regular updates build trust.
Empower others: Delegate decision-making and encourage innovation.
Stay connected: Maintain relationships with members, partners, and the community.
“In times of change, the learners will inherit the earth, while the learned will find themselves beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer
Embracing the Opportunity
While political change can be challenging, it also brings opportunities for renewal, innovation, and growth. New leadership can inject fresh energy, new ideas, and a renewed focus on community needs.
As a local government officer, you are uniquely positioned to shape how these changes are implemented. Your expertise, experience, and commitment to public service are invaluable assets in helping elected members turn their vision into reality.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
Final Thoughts
Working in local government means accepting that political winds will shift. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can remain a steady, effective, and respected public servant—regardless of who holds political power. Remember:
Your role is to serve the public, not politics.
Change is inevitable, but your professionalism is constant.
Relationships, communication, and integrity are your greatest tools.
By embracing these principles, you can help your team navigate political change with confidence and continue delivering the high-quality, strategic services your community deserves.
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