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4 minute read
Local government and council teams are under growing pressure to deliver more with less - navigating funding challenges, shifting policies and rising community expectations. That’s why practical training that delivers immediate results is more valuable than ever.
ModernGov works with councils across the UK to design bespoke training that equips staff with skills they can put into action straight away. In 2025, several courses have become clear favourites among local authority professionals. Here’s why they’re in demand and the real difference they’re making for councils nationwide.
Contents:
1. Effective Report Writing
2. Successfully Writing Guidance, Policies, and Procedures
3. Effective Bid Writing
4. Strategic Writing
5. Discover Our Full Range of Bespoke Courses - Download Our Training Catalogue
1. Effective Report Writing
Concise, well-structured reports drive better decisions and save time at every level of local government.
Why councils value it: Delegates learn how to write reports that are clear, accessible, and decision-ready. Delivered as a bespoke session, the course can reflect your council’s reporting formats and audiences - making the guidance instantly practical.
Delegate feedback:
“Fantastic content and delivery - thank you!” – Southwark Council
“I really appreciated the attention Sue gave to making the course relevant for those in attendance. Sue kept us all so engaged and in awe of all the work she has been involved in, the examples were really interesting and linked so well with making the training for our Public Health teams so beneficial. The exercises had the perfect balance of being challenging and enjoyable. The day went by so fast as it really was a great day of training. Sue is extremely personable and a has a unique and effective way of training.” – London Borough of Hillingdon
Case Study: London Borough of Hillingdon
After in-house training, staff in the Public Health teams reported a significant boost in confidence and practical skills. Sue’s engaging and personable delivery, combined with tailored examples relevant to their work, made the course both enjoyable and immediately applicable. Delegates highlighted how the exercises struck the perfect balance between challenging and practical, leaving them better equipped to write clearer, more impactful reports and emails. Many noted that the session gave them confidence to develop their own voice and apply new techniques straight away.
2. Successfully Writing Guidance, Policies, and Procedures
Clear and consistent policies ensure staff, councillors and partners follow the same standards.
Why it’s popular: Councils appreciate how this course combines compliance with practicality, showing how to create guidance that staff actually use. Bespoke delivery means it can be aligned with your authority’s unique policy frameworks and internal processes.
Delegate feedback:
“I would recommend this course to anyone who has to write Policy, Procedures and Guidance. This has helped to enhance my knowledge and skills in all areas including AI going forward which will be invaluable.” – North Yorkshire County Council
“Morwenna gave a interactive training course with great content, as this area is something I had never completed before she broke it down to easy steps and gave some brilliant hints and tips” – North Yorkshire County Council
“It was great how the tutor constantly checked in with the group to make sure the content was at the right level." – Kingston-Upon-Hull City Council
Case Study: North Yorkshire County Council
The council brought the Writing Policies, Guidance and Procedures course in-house to support staff new to this area. Delegates praised the trainer's interactive delivery and practical approach, which broke complex tasks into clear, manageable steps. Participants highlighted how the training enhanced their knowledge and skills, including insights on using AI for writing policies going forward. Many reported increased confidence and found the exercises both practical and engaging, making the course immediately applicable to their day-to-day work.
3. Effective Bid Writing
Winning external funding is critical for councils striving to protect services and support local communities.
Why it’s in demand: This course gives staff proven techniques to craft persuasive, funder-focused bids that stand out in a competitive environment. As a bespoke session, it can be tailored to the funding streams and priorities most relevant to your council, ensuring staff leave with tools they can use immediately.
Delegate feedback:
“The course outlined the key points and strategies when undertaking bids and offered invaluable tips with case studies to reinforce the issues raised." - North Yorkshire County Council
Case Study: North Yorkshire County Council
Following a bespoke Bid Writing course, staff reported increased confidence and a clearer understanding of what funders are looking for. Delegates highlighted how the training helped them produce more concise, relevant and focused applications, while also improving internal written communications. Many noted the practical tips would be useful beyond bids, supporting better report writing and other documents. Teams also observed greater collaboration and consistency in their approach, leaving them well-equipped to attract funding and strengthen the council’s strategic objectives.
4. Strategic Writing
When shaping long-term priorities or engaging stakeholders, everyday writing isn’t enough – strategy matters.
Why learners love it: Delegates learn how to write persuasively, align documents with council objectives, and influence senior decision-makers. When delivered as a bespoke session, it can be shaped around your authority’s strategic priorities, ensuring outputs are directly relevant to ongoing projects.
Delegate feedback:
“A well delivered course by an expert in the her field. A number of learning bits that can be easily applied to everyday writing skills along with advice on how to develop for a more strategic approach.” – Ashford District Council
“I thoroughly enjoyed this course. The trainer was personable and engaging. She provided a wealth of knowledge in this subject which will support me in feeling more confident in writing effective reports and strategies. The pace and content of the course was good and I had ample opportunity to make notes without fear of missing anything.” – Ashford District Council
Case Study: Ashford District Council
Ashford District Council delivered the Strategic Writing course in-house to support staff producing reports and policy documents. Delegates praised the trainer’s engaging and personable approach, noting the course encouraged reflection on how writing is received and provided practical tips for improvement. Participants highlighted the structured exercises, which helped them break down information, focus content, and write more efficiently. Many reported increased confidence and clarity, leaving better equipped to produce sharper, more persuasive documents that support organisational goals.
Explore Our Full Training Catalogue
Browse our full course catalogue to see the complete range of training for councils, read more case studies and discover how we tailor every course to meet your team’s needs. Download it now to find the perfect solution for your local authority.
