Working Constructively in a No Overall Control Council
Programme for Councillors, Group Leaders and Committee Chairs
No Overall Control councils require a different style of political leadership.
Successful coalition and minority administrations depend not only on political negotiation, but also on trust, communication, constructive challenge and effective working relationships.
Without these, councils can quickly experience instability, public conflict, reputational damage and decision-making paralysis.
This practical, highly interactive programme helps councillors develop the skills and behaviours needed to govern effectively in politically fragmented environments.
Using realistic scenarios, facilitated exercises and Forum Theatre techniques, participants explore the challenges of coalition working and practise constructive approaches to disagreement, negotiation and scrutiny.
Who Is This Programme For?
Suitable for:
- newly elected councillors
- cabinet members
- scrutiny members
- committee chairs
- political group leaders
- independent members
- opposition members working in coalition environments
Programme Objectives
Participants will:
- understand how NOC councils operate differently
- explore the realities of coalition and minority administration working
- develop negotiation and relationship-building skills
- strengthen approaches to constructive challenge and scrutiny
- improve understanding of member-officer relationships
- practise managing disagreement professionally
- explore behaviours that strengthen or damage governance
Typical Programme Content
Understanding No Overall Control Councils
- coalition governance
- minority administrations
- political fragmentation and instability
Coalition Working and Negotiation
- building working agreements
- balancing compromise and principle
- maintaining trust between groups
Behaviours That Support Effective Governance
- constructive disagreement
- avoiding performative conflict
- managing social media tensions
- maintaining public confidence
The Member-Officer Relationship
- understanding officer neutrality
- appropriate challenge and accountability
- avoiding politicisation of officers
Scrutiny in Fragmented Councils
- effective scrutiny versus political theatre
- maintaining accountability constructively
- cross-party working in scrutiny
Chairing and Participating in Difficult Meetings
- maintaining fairness and procedural confidence
- managing conflict and disruption
- encouraging effective participation
Decision-Making Under Pressure
- budgets and controversial decisions
- communicating compromise to residents
- avoiding governance paralysis
Civic Leadership and Public Confidence
- protecting the reputation of the council
- maintaining democratic legitimacy
- building a culture of respectful challenge
Interactive Learning Approach
The programme uses:
- realistic council scenarios
- Forum Theatre exercises
- facilitated political simulations
- group problem-solving activities
- interactive discussion and polling
Participants are encouraged to intervene in scenarios, test different approaches and explore the impact of behaviours on governance outcomes.
Delivery Formats
Available as:
- half-day workshops
- full-day development sessions
- post-election induction programmes
- cross-party facilitated workshops
- coalition away-days
Programmes can be delivered face-to-face or online.
Enquiries
Contact Viv Nelson at viv@nelsontraining.co.uk to discuss a tailored programme for your council or political group.