Revitalising recruitment

Ask people why they got actively involved in politics and you get one of two answers: either they got involved in a local campaign, or someone asked them. This campaign includes modernising the selection and recruitment of more talented councillors in local government.

Since 2008 the 'Be a Councillor' campaign has resulted in hundreds of new candidates for London's 2010 local elections - and has been rolled out and led by the parties nationwide throughout 2009. Local Government Leadership is publishing Finding the X factor - a guide to recruitment in your area to complement this campaign.

We believe politics and governance will benefit enormously from attracting people hitherto put off from standing for election because of practical constraints, cultural barriers or the lack of a clear and easy way to get involved.

This means opening up selection, supporting flexible time commitments, encouraging active recruitment and promoting talent.