Introduction to the Leading in Local Government Microcredential

The Leading in Local Government microcredential is designed to build leadership capacity and capability, enabling individuals to become purposeful, inclusive leaders who can lead for impact. This microcredential is grounded in the local government context and based on evidence and rigor, drawing on cutting-edge leadership theory and practices.

Key Benefits

This microcredential will assist participants in:

• Developing an understanding of the role of local government in the broader political and social context and their leadership purpose within that
• Developing skills around strategic leadership and leadership impact

Alignment and Recognition

The Leading in Local Government microcredential aligns with a six-credit point subject, 15610 Leading in Local Government, from within the Graduate Certificate in Local Government, Graduate Diploma in Local Government, and the UTS MBA Local Government Leadership sub-major. It may also qualify as recognition of prior learning at this and other institutions.

Course Information

• Duration: Four sessions (32 hours in total)
• Dates:
  • Block 1: Mon 2 - Tue 3 Mar 2026
  • Block 2: Mon 30 - Tue 31 Mar 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
• Venue: UTS Campus
• Cost: $3,569 (GST-free)

Course Content

The microcredential is divided into four modules:

1. Leading in the Local Government Context: Explores aspirations and expectations of leaders in local government through the lens of the broader political and social context, the principles and practices of local government, and the connections to leadership approaches.
2. Leading to Empower: Examines the role of emotional intelligence, personal strengths, and accountability when leading to empower self and others, including empathy, team dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, feedback, and skills for influence.
3. Leading through Change and Uncertainty: Covers change management and advocacy as a continuing component of leading in local government, including the context of change, navigating uncertainty, personal and organizational resilience, mindsets, and continuous improvement.
4. Leading with Impact and Effectiveness: Explores future trends and evolving debates for local government leaders to consider when future-proofing their developing skills and capabilities, personal effectiveness, and action plans for impact that connect to the purpose of their role.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this microcredential, participants will:

• Grow in confidence to lead in uncertainty and through change
• Understand and grow their leadership impact
• Actively contribute to the development of collective and collaborative leadership within the council
• Have a deeper understanding of the principles and practice of local government and how it has evolved over time
• Develop an understanding of management theory and structures
• Develop the skills of strategic leadership
• Learn a suite of strategies to empower others to achieve

Course Delivery

This microcredential course is delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of instructor-led lectures, group and individual activities. The training approach allows participants to work through concepts introduced by the trainer in an application-focused teaching environment.

Assessment

The course includes two assessments:

1. Assessment One (Individual) – Weighting 40%: Requires participants to research an area of leadership interest within their council and present their findings as a case study example for leadership in local government.
2. Assessment Two (Individual) – Weighting 60%: Designed for participants to demonstrate what they have learned about leading strategically and with purpose, and creating high-impact ways of leading.

About the Presenter

Sophi Bruce specializes in approaches to leadership, transition, and social impact projects, using a portfolio of techniques for reflective learning, collaborative working, and thinking differently. Sophi is an authorized assessor of the Leadership Development Framework and has an executive certificate in Positive Psychology coaching.

In-house Training Solutions

This leadership course for Local Government can also be tailored for in-house delivery, designed to meet an organization's objectives and delivered either on campus, online, or at a location of choice. This flexible model ensures the content is customized to the team's needs while minimizing disruption to day-to-day operations.

Related Courses

• Leadership Course: Leading in Local Government: Focuses on unique aspects of leading in local government and its broader political and social context, including the principles and practices in public administration.
• Leadership Course: Leading to Empower: Emphasizes leadership that empowers individuals and teams, crucial for fostering innovation, collaboration, and community growth in the ever-changing landscape of local government.
• Leadership Course: Leading with Strategy: Focuses on the central role of strategy and purpose in creating high-impact ways of working.
• Leadership Course: Leading for Impact: Designed to help local government professionals develop an authentic and effective leadership approach that generates meaningful impact for their council and communities.

University of Technology Sydney

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Overview:

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a public university located in Sydney, Australia. It is known for its focus on practical, industry-relevant education and its strong research output. UTS is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and is recognized as Australia's top university for research impact.

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Services Offered:

UTS offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Academic advisors, tutoring services, and learning resources to help students succeed in their studies.

Career Development:

Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities to prepare students for their future careers.

Student Life:

A vibrant campus community with clubs, societies, and social events to enhance the student experience.

Health and Wellbeing:

Counseling services, health clinics, and support programs to promote student well-being.

Accommodation:

On-campus housing options for students seeking convenient and comfortable living arrangements.

Library:

A comprehensive library with extensive resources, study spaces, and technology support.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UTS offers a dynamic campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, attend social events, and engage in leadership opportunities. The university's central location in Sydney provides easy access to the city's cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and employment opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry-Relevant Education:

UTS focuses on practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers.

Strong Research Output:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics.

Global Rankings:

UTS consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.

Vibrant Campus Community:

Students can enjoy a lively campus environment with a wide range of clubs, societies, and social events.

Central Location:

UTS is located in the heart of Sydney, providing easy access to the city's amenities and employment opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

UTS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Analytics and Data Science

Business

Communication

Design, Architecture and Building

Education

Engineering

Health

Information Technology

International Studies

Law

Science

Transdisciplinary Innovation

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Other:

UTS is committed to social justice and sustainability, with initiatives focused on supporting Indigenous education and research, promoting diversity and inclusion, and addressing environmental challenges. The university also offers a range of short courses and microcredentials for individuals seeking to upskill or enhance their career prospects.