Networking with Purpose: A Strategic Asset for Local Government Officers and Members

In local government, the word “networking” often conjures images of name badges, lukewarm coffee, and polite small talk. But in reality, networking is far more than a social nicety—it is a strategic tool that can shape careers, unlock opportunities, and drive innovation. For both officers and elected members, networking should be a deliberate and essential component of your personal growth plan.

“The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.” – Robert Kiyosaki

Networking: Not Just a ‘Nice to Have’

As you progress in your career—whether as a senior officer or a seasoned councillor—your ability to influence, collaborate, and lead becomes increasingly dependent on the strength and relevance of your network. In a sector where resources are tight and challenges are complex, knowing who to call, who to learn from, and who to partner with can make all the difference.

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Networking is not about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating relationships that are mutually beneficial and strategically aligned with your goals.

Tailoring Your Network to Your Role and Aspirations

Your network should serve two purposes:

1. Support your current role: This includes peers in similar positions, colleagues in other departments, and partners in delivery. These connections help you stay informed, solve problems, and share best practice.

2. Prepare you for your next role: Think ahead. If you aspire to become a director, chief executive, or cabinet member, start building relationships with people already in those positions. Learn from their journeys, observe their leadership styles, and understand the challenges they face.

“Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” – Harvey Mackay

Growing Your Network: Practical Steps

Building a strong network doesn’t happen by accident. Here are some intentional ways to grow and maintain it:

1. Attend Sector Events and Conferences

Events hosted by organisations like the Local Government Association (LGA), SOLACE, CIPFA, and others are excellent opportunities to meet peers and thought leaders. Don’t just attend—participate. Ask questions, join breakout sessions, and follow up with speakers or panellists afterwards.

2. Use LinkedIn Strategically

LinkedIn is more than a digital CV. Use it to:

• Share insights from your work

• Comment on sector developments

• Connect with people you meet at events

• Follow organisations and thought leaders

A well-maintained LinkedIn profile signals that you are engaged, informed, and open to collaboration.

3. Join Professional Networks and Forums

Whether it’s a regional chief execs’ group, a finance officers’ forum, or a councillor development network, these spaces offer regular opportunities to share challenges and solutions with people who understand your context.

4. Be Generous

Networking is a two-way street. Share useful articles, make introductions, and offer support where you can. People remember those who add value without expecting immediate returns.

Officers vs Members: Different Roles, Different Networks

While both officers and members benefit from strong networks, their needs and approaches differ.

For Officers:

• Focus on operational and strategic delivery: Build relationships with peers in other councils, regional bodies, and central government departments.

• Engage with delivery partners: This includes housing associations, health trusts, and voluntary sector organisations.

• Develop cross-sector links: Especially in areas like digital transformation, climate action, and economic development.

For Members:

• Focus on political and community leadership: Connect with councillors from other authorities to share campaign strategies, community engagement techniques, and policy ideas.

• Engage with residents and local stakeholders: Your network includes not just professionals, but also community leaders, activists, and local businesses.

• Build influence within your party: Attend party conferences, join policy forums, and connect with MPs and think tanks.

“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell

The Role of Private Sector Partners

In today’s complex public service landscape, private sector partners are not just vendors—they can be collaborators, innovators, and sources of learning.

Why Engage with the Private Sector?

• Access to expertise: From digital transformation to data analytics, private firms often bring cutting-edge knowledge that can enhance your work.

• Co-designing solutions: In areas like regeneration, housing, and adult social care, working closely with private partners can lead to more sustainable and scalable outcomes.

• Professional development: Many private sector organisations offer secondments, mentoring, or joint training opportunities that can broaden your skill set.

How to Engage Effectively

• Attend cross-sector events and roundtables

• Invite private sector speakers to internal learning sessions

• Explore partnership models beyond procurement—such as innovation labs or joint ventures

“Innovation is often sparked at the intersection of sectors.”

Maintaining and Nurturing Your Network

Building a network is one thing—maintaining it is another. Here’s how to keep your connections alive:

• Follow up: After meeting someone, send a short message or connection request. Mention something specific from your conversation.

• Stay in touch: Drop a line every few months, share an article, or invite them to an event.

• Be visible: Speak at events, write blogs, or contribute to sector publications. This keeps you on people’s radar and positions you as a thought leader.

Digital Networking: A Post-Pandemic Norm

The pandemic normalised virtual networking, and it’s here to stay. Webinars, online forums, and virtual coffee chats are now standard practice. Use them to:

• Connect with people outside your region

• Join niche interest groups

• Save time and travel costs

Measuring the Value of Your Network

It’s not about how many people you know—it’s about the quality and relevance of those relationships. Ask yourself:

• Who do I turn to when I need advice?

• Who challenges my thinking?

• Who helps me grow?

If your answers are limited, it might be time to invest more in your network.

Final Thoughts: Make Networking Intentional

Networking is not an optional extra—it’s a core leadership skill. For officers and members alike, a strong, diverse, and active network can:

• Accelerate your career

• Improve your effectiveness

• Broaden your perspective

• Enhance your resilience

So, whether you’re just starting out or decades into your public service journey, make networking a deliberate part of your strategy. The relationships you build today could shape the future of your career—and your community.

“Success isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you know—and who knows you.”

 This blog post was sponsored by Alliance Leisure, the UK's leading leisure development partner, specialising in supporting local authorities to improve and expand their leisure facilities and services.