The annual LG Challenge recruits a cohort of ten local government officers to take part in a series of real-life challenges hosted by authorities around the country.
Ten officers have been selected to take part in LG Challenge 2026. The programme, now in its 14th year, will run between January and June, where the cohort will work in teams to tackle five real-life challenges hosted by various authorities across the country.
Virginia Ponton:
Welcome to Local Government Challenge 2026. We're really excited to reveal our 14th cohort, 10 officers who will go on a unique leadership development journey and compete for a scholarship. At each challenge, they'll work in teams to offer fresh perspectives and ideas to five host authorities around the country. Each challenge will cover a real life local issue across a variety of service areas.
Michael Barrett:
The challenges provide an opportunity to develop the skills to become leaders of the future. Testing and developing a range of leadership competencies in high stakes and high-pressured environments, all within a 24-hour period. The cohort will therefore need to bring their diverse experiences to offer tangible solutions back to the host authorities.
Eden Singh:
I believe I have what it takes to succeed in the LG Challenge because I thrive under pressure, I enjoy problem solving, and I bring experience in collaboration and engagement. I've led on strategies, built cross-departmental partnerships, and
championed inclusive services.
Karl Falconer:
Although I'm bringing a lot of experience to the table, actually the majority of that experience has been from outside of local government. My time in local government has been relatively short. And actually, I think what's really interesting about that is that sometimes it's those fresh ideas, those different ways of doing things that can actually create a really interesting challenge.
Claire Goldsworthy:
I think it will be really eye-opening to work with other people from different localities across the country that I haven't been to, and I may not have an understanding of. I think it will be a really great educational opportunity and a chance for me to learn from the expertise, skills, and knowledge of other people that I may not otherwise get to meet.
N’jaindeh Lungoci:
I'm most looking forward to the challenges themselves. It's a high-pressure adventure with problem solving, creativity, and innovation. I'm gonna have so much fun.
Victoria Lewis:
I really like to get stuck into problems and look for those innovative solutions, but I also do quite like a tight deadline, so I'm hoping that stands me in good stead for this challenge.
Shannon Kennedy:
I think my leadership style at the challenges will focus on maximising the strengths of the members of the team and ensuring that everybody feels valued.
Harrison Giles:
Being able to get to grips with the challenge, identify a solution, and then present that back in a coherent and understandable way for elected members in just two days is gonna be a real challenge. I think being able to draw my experience in my own organisation but also draw upon my colleagues and their shared skills is gonna be a real benefit to the team.
Nadia Hussain:
Something that I will find challenging will be presenting in formal settings, I tend to find myself, nervous in such situations. However, I think this will be an opportunity for growth and for development.
Aaron Clarke:
I think to do well at these kinds of challenges, you have to be able to make the most of the skills of the people that you're in a team with and draw the most out of them. So I hope that I'm gonna be able to do that.
Tara Hudson:
I would like to say I'm really grateful to be accepted to be part of this challenge. I'm working alongside so many amazing people. It really means a lot to be considered for this, and I hope I'm able to bring my enthusiasm and teamwork and positivity to the challenge and learn as much as I can to help make a positive difference for our communities.
You can also view an audio described version of the introduction video on our YouTube channel.
Read the 2026 contestants’ biographies below to find out more about their background in local government and what motivated them to apply for LG Challenge.
What is your current role?
I am a Democratic Services Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council. My role has been quite varied over the last few years, such as running projects and providing ICT support for elected members. However, the main responsibility of Democratic Services is organising and administering the council’s formal decision-making processes, ensuring meetings and decisions are managed accurately and in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements.
I like to think of Democratic Services as being almost at the centre of the wheel, facilitating and supporting the work of all departments to ensure decisions move smoothly through the democratic process. At its best Democratic Services is a link between elected members, senior officers, and the public, ensuring that elected members are able to support their residents effectively.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied to take part in the LG Challenge because it sounded like a unique and exciting opportunity to gain experience and acquire skills in areas that I am not familiar with. I enjoy challenging myself and this is a great chance to connect with fellow officers with different backgrounds, representing different areas of the country.
Local government faces significant financial pressures due to funding constraints and increasing demand, so it is essential that we rethink how we deliver our services. This programme presents a unique chance to delve into diverse local issues across the country, promoting collaborative problem-solving.
What is your current role?
I have spent much of the last fifteen years working in the arts and community development space, launching my own social enterprises with a focus on engaging communities through cultural participation. I’ve been fortunate in this work to receive support from bodies including the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Arts Council, and from figures such as Stephen Fry. I have become a thought leader in this space and have recently completed two years of specialist development support from the School for Social Entrepreneurs in recognition of my potential as a future leader. More recently I made a career pivot towards local government, completing the LGA’s Impact scheme (formerly NGDP) and obtaining chartered manager status. I am now in the early stages of working in Project Management on Cumbria’s Devolution Deal, which is an incredibly exciting time to bring new ideas, leadership and ways of working to support the development of the Cumbria region.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
As somebody with lots of experience outside of local government, relatively new to the sector, the opportunity provided by LG Challenge to test yourself, experience a wealth of different practices and council experiences and to collaborate with a range of inspiring colleagues was a significant motivator in my decision to apply. The challenges of our daily roles become routine all too easily, so the opportunity to radically explore and to develop my skills, knowledge and beliefs and to bring that back to my current workplace is hugely exciting and pretty unique.
What is your current role?
I am part of the Norfolk Office of Data & Analytics (NODA) that sits within Norfolk County Council, the Upper Tier Local Authority in Norfolk. NODA is a public sector partnership of the Police, district and borough councils, the Integrated Care Board and academics. NODA's main objective is to join data to provide actionable insights for stakeholders.
My role specifically as a Senior Analyst covers various topics including adult skills/apprenticeships, homelessness, deprivation and many others. I’ve been fortunate to lead on some notably impactful projects, especially those relating to serious violence and domestic abuse, where my work helped to inform more tailored services and influence decision making locally. I work closely with stakeholders across Norfolk to enable them to provide more informed, preventative services for residents.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied for the LG Challenge because it offers an amazing opportunity for me to not only develop my own skill set, but also the chance to observe working practices at other local authorities across the country. Enabling me to share these experiences with my colleagues to support continued development in Norfolk.
While my role offers many great opportunities to pursue a variety of topics, the LG Challenge will enable me to work more directly with elected members which I have not had much experience with to date. I am excited to get stuck into the upcoming challenges and learn as much as possible along the way.
What is your current role?
As a training officer, it is my role to instruct new employees at my local authority on how to fulfil their duties and also to develop the skills and abilities of our existing staff, to ensure that we offer an excellent customer experience. I work closely with multiple departments to develop and deliver a training program that meets service needs and is realistic for the role requirements. As the only trainer who teaches my particular topic, all new recruits work with me for several weeks when they join Cornwall Council. Following training, I quality check their work and provide mentoring/ongoing support. As an authority, we make promises and commitments to our customers about the standards that we will meet and uphold. As a trainer, it is my responsibility to work with new and existing staff to ensure that they have the knowledge and tools to meet and exceed those standards.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied for this challenge because I want to expand my current skill set and learn things that will help me continue to advance my career. This program will present challenges and opportunities that I would not encounter in my current role. The Local Government Challenge covers topics and skills that I can implement in my current position, while also offering knowledge that I can use to enrich my approach to future roles. I also wanted the chance to work with others, from different localities, to get a better sense of the issues and challenges that affect local government nationally.
What is your current role?
I lead on the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Council’s website and social media platforms. With a strong focus on enhancing the council’s digital presence. I am responsible for identifying potential reputational risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies. I also play a key role in shaping and delivering content strategies that align with organisational goals and priorities. As well as delivering training on content creation, I am also a hands-on content creator, producing short-form videos and photography to support campaigns and public messaging. My work ensures that digital communications are accessible, timely, and impactful, helping to strengthen the council’s connection with residents and stakeholders. I’m passionate about innovation in the public sector and actively horizon-scan for emerging trends, particularly in AI and social media. I regularly share insights and best-practice with the wider communications team to help us adapt and evolve as communicators in a fast-changing digital landscape.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied to the Challenge because I believe in the power of councils to change lives. In my role as a communicator, I see how local services help people reach their full potential. I want to go beyond influencing and communicating and learn how we deliver front-line service improvements and transformation. The Challenge offers a chance to step outside my comfort zone, work across departments, and learn from passionate Officers nationwide. I’m excited to connect ideas, solve problems, and bring any new knowledge back to my own council to help us better support our residents.
What is your current role?
As Area Co-ordinator for Bradford East, I lead the strategic management of community engagement across the locality. My role involves overseeing a team of frontline staff who deliver neighbourhood support, ensuring their work aligns with broader objectives and delivers meaningful impact. I manage the development and implementation of neighbourhood and locality plans, working collaboratively with stakeholders to design innovative, place-based solutions to local challenges. A key part of my role is building and sustaining partnerships with statutory agencies, voluntary organisations, and community leaders to strengthen joined up working and shared accountability. I chair regular partnership meetings, providing leadership and direction while ensuring that diverse voices are heard and reflected in decision making. Through data driven planning and responsive coordination, I help shape inclusive, resilient communities across Bradford East, ensuring that local priorities are addressed with creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term change.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied to the LG Challenge to deepen and share my knowledge while working collaboratively to tackle local challenges. I’m passionate about finding innovative, practical solutions that make a real difference in communities. Being part of a diverse team of professionals offers the chance to learn from others, broaden perspectives, and strengthen my leadership skills. I’m eager to transform challenges into opportunities, using fresh insights and strategic thinking to drive change. This programme will equip me with new tools and approaches that I can take back to my role and council, making a bigger difference and working together to build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods.
What is your current role?
I have worked at Wirral Council for 10 years, primarily in community engagement. For the past two years, I’ve been part of the Community Safety team, where my role focuses on both long-term community development and responsive problem-solving. I collaborate with internal teams, external partners, community groups, and residents to proactively and reactively address anti-social behaviour and wider safety concerns. As a liaison between communities and the Council, I build strong relationships to deliver positive outcomes. I also lead on Hate Crime for Wirral, chairing the Wirral Hate Crime Strategy Group and overseeing our multi-agency, data-driven approach to prevention and response. Current projects include establishing a Third-Party Reporting Centre Network and coordinating hate crime education and training across local schools.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
I applied to the programme to build on my career experience and engage with challenges that foster creative thinking and innovative problem-solving. Having spent my entire career within one Local Authority, I am keen to explore new approaches and working methods that I can bring back to enhance my current role. I also aim to gain a broader understanding of how different Local Authorities operate and the shared challenges they face, particularly in today’s economic climate.
What is your current role?
In my role, I help to develop both the Council’s internal strategic plans and how we, as an organisation, contribute to the Borough’s wider ambitions. Over the past year, we have developed a new Council Dashboard which helps bring the Council Plan to life with interactive, quarterly performance updates. To encourage a culture of continuous improvement, we lead Performance Boards in each directorate, which focus in depth on one service area, giving Heads of Service their own platform to share ideas with leadership.
Moving forwards, I will be leading our work to develop LiveWell in Bolton. GM LiveWell is about making sure everyone across GM has the resource and connections to be healthy, connected and able to Live Well. With a focus on prevention, our aim is to better connect our statutory offers with each other and with the community offer, to enable holistic support that empowers our residents.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
In an era of increased financial constraint, I believe the breadth of experience across our sector is an under-utilised asset that can help drive local government forwards. Through this challenge, I am keen to share and learn new ideas and best practice from other councils across the country.
I would also like to build confidence in my leadership skills, to enable me to drive forward future change where necessary. I hope to learn how to turn good ideas into action, to ensure we keep improving how we deliver our services, achieving maximum impact for our residents.
What is your current role?
I am a Project and Service Improvement Officer within Hackney’s Children and Family Services, a role that offers challenge and opportunity for growth. It combines board and governance support, project management, policy development and service improvement responsibilities, giving me a broad vantage point across the directorate and wider Council. My role allows me to strengthen my professional versatility while driving meaningful change for staff and residents.
Before stepping into this position, I spent six years working on the frontline of Homelessness Services in Local Government. That experience grounded me in legislation, statutory duties, and regulatory compliance, while developing my ability to balance policy requirements with compassion and practicality. It was a demanding environment that shaped my problem-solving skills, resilience, and commitment to improving public services.
Outside of my role, I am completing an MBA in Leadership and Innovation and exploring frameworks for the ethical use of AI in local government.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
The LG Challenge presents an opportunity to gain the competencies to become a strong leader within local government. It will stretch me beyond my current role and studies, building the confidence, insight, skills, and new connections needed to influence meaningful change. The prospect of contributing to innovation across councils nationwide genuinely excites me. I naturally look for solutions to problems and want to challenge myself further through this experience. I’m passionate about ethical, forward-thinking leadership and exploring how creativity, collaboration and integrity can work together to improve public services and deliver lasting impact for communities.
What is your current role?
Through my current role as Principal Tenant Engagement Officer, I’ve led on the development of Fareham Borough Council’s Tenant Engagement Strategy from the ground up. I’m now delivering the strategy and action plan, focusing on embedding tenant voices into decision-making, addressing barriers to participation by supporting diverse and inclusive representation, producing clear communications and ensuring the council remains transparent and accountable.
My experience at the council has given me a strong foundation in policy, research and community engagement. I’ve led consultations, developed and implemented strategies and established platforms to reach voices that are often underrepresented. My work has shown me how powerful engagement can be when it’s intentional and accessible.
Tenants’ lives are shaped by a range of services, so I often work collaboratively across the organisation to embed a culture of tenant-led service delivery. This has enabled us to better understand pressures and priorities and improve the tenant experience.
What motivated you to apply for the LG Challenge 2026?
The LG Challenge offers a unique opportunity to strengthen my skills by navigating real-life, high-pressure scenarios and tackling complex challenges beyond my usual remit. It will expose me to new service areas, broadening my understanding of local government and enhancing my ability to lead across diverse contexts.
The prospect of collaborating with talented officers from across the country excites me. I look forward to exchanging ideas, gaining fresh perspectives and building a network of passionate professionals committed to public service.