SW Challenge
When and Where?
17th March 2027
9am – 8pm (includes a presentation dinner)
Taunton Racecourse
Description:
An exciting and high energy event giving the opportunity for aspiring senior managers across the South West to gain exposure to issues outside of their normal working lives and gives them a taste of what senior management is like. The challenge is open to teams of up to six people (minimum 4 people) from any area of work. Delegates will spend the day as the management team of a fictional Local Authority, Fire Service, Police Authority, NHS, Voluntary Sector, Housing Association or Town Council encountering many of the tasks with which a real corporate team would deal. They’ll have to work as a team and with neighbouring organisations to deliver a new strategy. They’ll have to choose which areas to prioritise, deal with sensitive issues and still keep their focus on how to give the public the best services with limited resources.
The event consists of two modules.
Module 1 (The Core Module) is undertaken by all teams and takes place throughout the day.
Module 2 (The Specialist Module) has a number of sub-modules depending on the background of the team (Local Government (Tier 1/2), Town/Parish Council (Tier 3), Fire Service, Police, NHS, Housing Association and the Voluntary Sector). This module also takes place throughout the day and is introduced to the teams via their “principal”. Due to the complexity, and breadth, of private sector organisations any such team entries (along with those from the public sector not mentioned or wish to choose otherwise) will be allowed free choice as the specialism in which they participate
Entry to the event includes tea/coffee/water refreshments throughout the day, a packed lunch and a two course hot buffet dinner.
Why attend?
Get an insight into challenges facing senior managers.
Refine strategic decision making, negotiation and collaboration skills
Build their partnership and customer service skills
Discover more about their own strengths and weaknesses
Learn more about facing the media and scrutiny of their decisions
Put analytical and problem solving skills and tools to the test
Exposure to intense time management constraints
Develop resilience to rapidly changing priorities, demands and timescales
An opportunity to collaborate with and create bonds with colleagues form across our sector and services
The Challenge is designed for teams of between 4 – 6 people from any area of work. Teams can be drawn from any level of management where there is an aspiration to develop and grow.
Team members do not have to be from the same organisation but could be a partnership team drawn from across a number of authorities/organisations.
Price Per Team (up to 30 September 2026):
£1,999 plus VAT for member organisations
£2,750 plus VAT for non-member organisations
Price per team from 1 October 2026:
£2,250 plus VAT for member organisations (Click HERE to find out how to become Associate Members to benefit from the member price)
£2,999 plus VAT for non-member organisations
How to apply:
Please use the Booking Form to enrol.
Closing date: 10th February 2027
Course Ref: LG/26/181
