Councils nominate a team of four people (who may or may not have worked together before) to compete against teams within their region.  A team mentor should also be appointed by each council to assist with preparing the team.  However, on Challenge day, the team is on their own!  Additionally, it is great if councils can assist with providing observers and actors to help LGMA with the Challenge programme.

Throughout the day, the team will be given a range of tasks that simulate different business-related tasks and activities that council manages on a day-to-day basis. As some of these tasks or issues may be outside the team members’ usual role, it provides the perfect opportunity to broaden the understanding and appreciation of what council does and what other people within your council manage every day.

It also provides a perfect opportunity to develop and strengthen your team skills. This includes communication and presentation skills, influencing and negotiation skills and managing resources and time. All within a fun and highly supportive environment.

The teams are observed throughout the day on their team processes – how well they worked together, how they resolved differences of opinion, how they ensured that they kept on track and managed the tasks. The teams are also assessed on what they produce (e.g. reports, presentations etc.). Rural Management Challenges are held in three locations during October/November annually.