PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The LGPro Executive Leadership Program (XLP) is designed exclusively to equip and support executives in Local Government, including Chief Executive Officers and Directors.

While the role of senior officers in Local Government can be challenging, it also can be highly rewarding for those who have the right mix of skills, experience, training and preparedness to lead in this uniquely diverse and dynamic environment.

Developed for and by senior executives, the LGPro XLP is unique in addressing the particular nature and challenges of leadership in Local Government. The program presents an invaluable opportunity for senior professionals to expand and develop skills and knowledge so that as leaders of the Local Government sector, they are confident and capable.

XLP 2024 will involve intensive learning and tools to prepare local government leaders for the specific risky challenges that will confront all Victorian communities during 2022/3 and getting through and out the other side of the most difficult issues for communities facing health and economic crises. 

How is XLP relevant? LGPro has developed the XLP in close consultation with current and retired senior executives from across the sector, together with leading, independent education experts and critical stakeholders. 

The program is informed by the results of the LGPro CEO Development Survey which examined the behaviours and attitudes of current and former Local Government CEOs and Directors with a view to determining the skills, traits, knowledge and experience required to be a successful senior executive in Local Government in Victoria.  

PROGRAM FORMAT 

Comprises eight workshop days delivered at intervals over a six month period to provide the opportunity to reinforce learning on the job. 
Each of the three modules (Governance, People, Strategic Foresight) are delivered as a two day, overnight residential experience
Four virtual sessions allow the participants to connect between modules
Participants establish mentoring relationships with executives external to the Local Government sector.  LGPro works closely with other organisations to determine suitable mentor candidates and, in consultation with each participant, to agree on the most suitable fit. Mentors are encouraged to actively participate at intervals during the program.

LEARNING APPROACH AND METHODS 

LGPro engages an approach to learning in which participants offer their own expertise and contribute to an environment where knowledge is actively constructed and shared rather than passively received. Self reflection points have been built into the program in order for participants to explore and challenge their own values, beliefs, philosophies and prejudices and to re-evaluate where they are and where they want to be.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the program you must be:
A senior officer in Local Government in Victoria including Chief Executive Officers and Directors/General Managers
A current LGPro member 

If CEOs have Managers that are working at a higher level and will soon move into a Director role, they will be considered but preference will be given to CEO/Director/General Manager nominations
Twenty-four places are available in the 2024 program.  

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS 

PROGRAM LEAD FACILITATOR: 
Chris Kotur is highly regarded in Local Government circles as she routinely works with CEOs, executive teams, councillors, stakeholders and communities to plan for and adapt to complex changes. She is a trusted advisor to CEOs and councillors. She has designed and facilitated councillor induction programs, undertaken Council reviews and mentored Council leaders. Chris has unique insights and understanding of what leaders need to know and be able to do to deal successfully with adaptive challenges. Chris has worked in communities around Victoria. She facilitated consultations for three Royal Commissions including the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health and was appointed to similar roles for the 2011 Flood Review, the Government review of Harrietville fires, the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiries and the Inquiry into the EPA. Chris is an expert in leadership development. She has been the Lead Facilitator for XLP since it began and continues to work with LGPro and XLP participants to ensure the program is the finest program its kind in Australia.  Chris has a distinguished career serving as a chief executive, ministerial advisor, university Pro Vice Chancellor, council and board member and as a director and trustee. She is Leadership Victoria's Leader In Residence. Chris has undertaken extensive leadership and management development at Harvard University and holds degrees in Arts and Education. She is an active member of prominent CEO and Chancellor's Circles. She is a Fellow of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, an alumnae of the Cranlana program and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

MODULE PRESENTERS IN PREVIOUS PROGRAMS HAVE INCLUDED:
Professor John Thwaites, Chair, Monash Sustainability Institute, Monash University and Deputy Premier of Victoria 1999-2007
The Hon. Martin Foley, former Minister for Health ADD
Dr Louise Mahler   
Dr Lindsay Eades, Centre for Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne
Dr Simon Longstaff, The Ethics Centre,
Mark Hayes, Partner, Maddocks Lawyers
Dr Craig Hassed, Senior Lecturer at the Department of General Practice, Monash University
Dr Jen Frahm