Welcome
to Different
Welcome
to Different
Shaping the Future of Local Government Leadership
Different is a national, innovative leadership development programme designed to transform the landscape of senior leadership in Local Government. We're committed to building excellent, diverse leaders who truly represent the communities they serve.
The Vision
In today's rapidly evolving world, local government leadership needs to reflect the rich diversity of our communities. Different is more than just a development programme – it's a commitment to reshaping leadership in the public sector, helping to ensure our local authorities are led by talented people who represent the communities they serve.
What sets us apart
Different is spearheaded by two trailblazing senior leaders, Deborah Cadman and Meena Kishinani who have navigated the challenges of the public sector firsthand. Furthermore, the programme is backed by the expertise of Newtrality, a consultancy deeply invested in empowering local authorities to achieve sustainable transformation, alongside the highly experienced recruitment team at Tile Hill who are all committed to tackling the lack of diverse representation in local government leadership.
Unlike generic training programmes, Different is purpose-built to improve the confidence, understanding and competence to accelerate the careers of high-potential individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As a participant you won’t just learn leadership theory – you will gain practical skills, personal insights, strategies, and receive tailored support to help you thrive in complex political environments. With dedicated mentors, peer networks, and the backing of respected industry leaders, this programme is geared towards positively impacting the future of local government leadership. We will develop leaders who intimately understand the communities they represent, and possess the confidence and competence to drive meaningful change.
Our Impact
By participating in Different, you're not just developing your leadership skills – you're joining a movement to create more inclusive, effective, and representative local government leadership. We focus on building both the skills and confidence needed to thrive in senior roles, while actively improving the proportional representation of the UK's diverse communities in leadership positions.
The future of local government leadership is Different. Now is your chance to shape it.
