Practical Project Management for Local Government

3x 3 hour LIVE, Online course (via MS Teams or Zoom) with a professional trainer and a maximum group size of 16 people.

Overview

This Introduction to Project Management course provides a practical, accessible starting point for UK local government staff who are required to manage projects as part of their role.

Delivered online over three interactive sessions, the course focuses on how projects work in real local government environments — where decision-making, governance, stakeholders, and change can be complex. Rather than concentrating on theory or formal methodologies, the course emphasises practical tools, clear thinking, and confident delivery.

Participants are guided through the full project lifecycle, from shaping a project idea and defining scope, through planning and stakeholder engagement, to managing risk, change, and project close-down. The course uses realistic public sector case studies, practical exercises, and shared discussion to help learners apply concepts to their own projects.

The sessions are highly interactive, with opportunities for:

• Hands-on exercises and worked examples
• Group discussion and peer-to-peer learning
• Reflection on real projects and organisational challenges

This course is ideal for those new to project management, or anyone wanting a clear, practical refresher that builds confidence and provides tools that can be used immediately at work.

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for local government staff who are new to project management, or who manage projects as part of their role and want a practical, confidence-building introduction to delivering projects effectively. A lot of “accidental” project managers attend this course.

Course Outline – Agenda

Session One (Online – 3 hours)

• Introduction: Why Project Management Matters
• Governance and Decision-Making in Local Government Projects
• The Four-Stage Project Life Cycle
• Different Types of Projects You May Be Asked to Manage
• Case Study: Department for Transport Shared Services Centre
• Stage One: Project Overview, Structure and Scope
• Project Goals vs Objectives and the Triple Constraint
• Project Scope Statement Exercise and MoSCoW Prioritisation
• Developing Your Business Case

Session Two (Online – 3 hours)

• Recap from Session One
• Features vs Benefits
• The Project Master Plan
• Milestones: Why They Matter
• Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement
• The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Gantt Charts and RACI Charts

Session Three (Online – 3 hours)

• Recap from Sessions One and Two
• Risk Management: Likelihood vs Consequence
• The Six Risk Management Strategies
• Risk Registers vs Risk Logs
• Delivering the Project: The Three Key Cycles
• Managing Delivery in the Real World
• Change Management: People Don’t Behave Like Gantt Charts
• Closing the Project and Handover

Learning Objectives (success criteria)

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the key principles of project management and how they apply in a local government context.

Develop practical skills to plan, manage, and deliver projects using simple tools and techniques.

Build confidence in managing stakeholders, risks, and change throughout the project lifecycle.

Bookings, Costs and Dates

If you are looking for training for 6 or more people we can run this course on a date convenient to you. Please enter your details below or email us at hello@lgtda.co.uk and we will be in touch.

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