Are you an elected leader, cabinet member, or councillor looking to deliver ambitious local climate action but unsure where to start? UK100’s Climate Leadership Academy offers ambitious councillors a unique coaching opportunity to develop their political skills, knowledge and confidence to become leading climate pioneers in local government.
Re-watch the 2024 drop-in session.
Register your interest in next year's programme.
Who is the Climate Leadership Academy for?
The Climate Leadership Academy is suitable for Leaders, Cabinet members, and Committee chairs of any or no political party, from authorities of any tier, and from all across the UK.
How does it work?
A cohort of 20 councillors will attend three tailored residential weekends of panels and workshops to equip you with the skills and knowledge integral to advancing climate leadership in your own context. You will hear from experts in the private, voluntary, academic and public sectors, and benefit from three personalised Net Zero coaching sessions.
You will finish the course with the skills and knowledge to enable fast-paced progress towards your council’s Net Zero goals. You will also join the growing group of Climate Leadership Academy graduates, a network of like-minded councillors committed to ambitious action for net zero in their communities, and have the opportunity to act as spokespeople for UK100 in national advocacy initiatives.
In 2023, 95% of participants rated the sessions as either good or excellent, whilst 100% of participants rated the relevance of learning and applicability to the local context as high.
“I have come away with a book full of actions and a clear pathway forward - so extremely helpful and full of actionable ideas.” Jennifer Wilson-Merklew, Milton Keynes City Council
Dates & Location:
The Climate Leadership Academy will take place on the following dates, in three cities around the UK. As places are limited, all applicants must commit to attending all three weekends as follows:
- Weekend 1 - 7-8th September 2024, Manchester
- Weekend 2 - 12-13th October 2024, Bournemouth
- Weekend 3 - 23-24th November 2024, Nottingham
Participants will also be required to attend three online 1:1 coaching sessions where they will receive support and advice on how to cement the learnings from the workshops and panels into ambitious Net Zero action. The dates of these sessions will be finalised with participants once the course begins.
What is the cost?
The programme is free to attend, fully subsidised by UK100, with accommodation and meals provided, but travel costs will need to be met by Councillors’ authorities.
Why should I apply?
“If you are hesitating and thinking this is not for me - please apply.” Sandra Graham, North Tyneside Council
Hear directly from graduates of the 2023 cohort.
“Meeting other Councillors from around the country and different political parties and circumstances was absolutely enlightening and inspiring. Making these connections has been game-changing - it's boosted my confidence enormously; as has all the knowledge I've gained from the CLA. The amount of really useful learning and inspiring speakers is priceless - I think I'll be drawing on it for years to come, and it's helping me direct outcomes now.” Jayne Sharratt, Tunbridge Wells District Council
“The Climate Leadership Academy has delivered a huge range of topics with informed speakers to enable participants to develop the knowledge to put ideas into action in their local authorities.” Richard Cook, Leader, Gloucester City Council
“Participating in this comprehensive programme was a transformative experience. The blend of expert-led sessions and practical, peer-based group work over the course of six days provided a rich learning environment that was both challenging and rewarding. The insights gained have been instrumental in developing the Council’s climate priorities within our corporate plan and were the catalyst for the creation of a dedicated Climate Board.” Mike McKeown, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Sustainability Cotswold District Council
Climate Leadership Academy FAQs
1. Who should apply?
The Climate Leadership Academy aims to support and encourage Leaders, cabinet members, or committee chairs. It is suitable for councillors in any tier, party or location in the UK and we will consider applications from multiple councillors from the same council. To apply for this programme your council must be a member of UK100.
2. How much does the course cost?
The course is free to applicants, with UK100 covering your accommodation and food, but we ask that your council cover travel costs.
3. What if I cannot attend all three weekends?
Attendance at all three weekends is a mandatory requirement to be on the course. If after accepting a place on the programme participants are unable to attend a weekend their council will be liable to cover the cost as per our attendance policy. If you are unable to attend in the case of illness or bereavement, please inform UK100 immediately.
4. How will I know if I am successful?
Once successful candidates have been selected, we will aspire to contact all applicants by w/c 29th July. Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
5. What if I am not selected to take part in the Climate Leadership Academy?
The programme has been oversubscribed in previous years, so unfortunately we are unable to accept every applicant. However, we aim to offer a fourth cohort of applicants the opportunity to take part in this training programme in 2025 and we offer multiple other events for our members throughout the year as advertised in the membership newsletter and on our website.
6. What follow-up support will participants receive after the residential weekends?
The support offered through the Academy extends beyond the residential weekends. We offer a graduate support network, further coaching, as well as opportunities to become spokespeople at UK100. Including speaking opportunities at membership events, national advocacy events with Government and opposition parties, and the local and national media.
7. Attendance Policy
The Climate Leadership Academy is oversubscribed so it is vital that successful participants are able to take part in the whole programme from start to finish. We understand that circumstances change so participants may have to pull out of a residential weekend last minute. However, each weekend costs £1,500 per participant so if you're unable to attend one of the weekend sessions your council will be liable to pay the full cost (subject to circumstances). This will avoid financial losses and will be reinvested into the programme.
Find out more:
If you have any queries please contact membership@uk100.org
