This year marks the 20th year of the Liberal Democrat Next Generation programme, a leadership training programme that the LGA Liberal Democrat Group funds and is delivered by ALDC.
Applications for this upcoming year’s Next Gen programme are now open.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 3 September 2025. Some general information about Next Generation can be found here on the LGA website
For Next Generation we are looking for ambitious councillors currently holding, or likely to hold within a short time frame, some form of leadership position on their council. For example, Cabinet Member, Deputy Cabinet member, Scrutiny Chair, Shadow Portfolio holder, Group Leader, etc.
The bespoke programme provides training on a whole range of areas including political leadership, dealing with the media, local government finance, working in NOC/coalitions, handling social media, and crafting a political speech to name just a few.
Over recent years, we have had successful Liberal Democrats Councillors on our programme who have gone onto become Council or Group Leaders and Members of Parliament. We ask that applicants are supported and recommended by their Group Leader.
This year’s programme will run over three separate modules and concludes with the LGA Conference in Bournemouth on 7-9 July 2026. The module dates so far are:
- Module 1: In Person Study Visit. October 2025 (date tbc)
- Module 2: Online Meet and Greet Day. Thursday 4 December 2025
- Module 3: In Person Reflection Weekend. Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February.
There is no cost to the individual, and the only thing we ask your council to fund is the individual’s travel costs to and from each module. So please make sure you have your council’s agreement to cover this. It is essential that applicants commit to attending each and every module and if an applicant cannot, then unfortunately we will not be able to offer them a place on the course.
Please find the application form via this link:
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 3 September at 5pm. If you or anyone you wish to put forward has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact terry.stacy@local.gov.uk, in the LGA Liberal Democrat Group Office.
