Our events calendar is taking a well-earned breather until September.
But if you’re a new manager (or about to become one) your to-do list does not pause. And neither does the “am I doing this right?” feeling that comes with it.
While we all wait for the new term, our Learning Programme Manager Aidan Matthews has picked out some free leadership and management courses.
They’re self-paced, online, and a good fit if you want something a bit more in-depth than a webinar, but less of a commitment than a full programme.
Please note
A quick honesty note before the links: "free" means different things on different platforms.
Some courses are completely free, including a certificate; others let you work through all the content for free, but charge for the certificate at the end.
I've said which is which, so there are no surprises
Aidan’s picks
- 8 free foundational leadership and management courses (GoSkills)
A round-up of short, bite-sized courses on the fundamentals: giving feedback, running meetings, interviewing, decision-making.
Good if you’ve only got 15 minutes a day.
Costs: 4 of the 8 are completely free, with a CPD-accredited certificate; the rest need a free trial. - Essential skills for first-time managers (Coursera)
An 11-course series covering communication, conflict, delegation, emotional intelligence and more. The most comprehensive option here.
Costs: this one isn’t free to complete (financial aid is available), but you can enrol and explore before deciding whether it’s worth it for you. - Management skills for new managers (Coursera)
5 hours, beginner-friendly, and built for exactly the moment you move from “doing the work” to “leading the people doing the work.”
Covers delegation, trust, performance conversations and onboarding.
Costs: free to work through; the certificate is paid. - Leadership and management: principles and practices (Great Learning)
A free introductory course on core leadership principles and management styles, offering a gentle way in if you’re testing the water.
Costs: free to work through; the certificate is paid.
Whatever you choose, choose to keep learning.
And when the new term starts, learn from Aidan himself
If Aidan’s picks whet your appetite, the man himself is back in the (virtual) training room this autumn with:
- Managing and Motivating Hybrid Teams
Date and time: Wednesday 23 September and Thursday 8 October | 09:30 to 12:30 | Teams
Members’ cost: 2 points | Non-members cost: £774
It’s a practical, CPD-certified course on getting the best out of a team you don’t see in person every day. What actually motivates people, which leadership style fits your team, building trust remotely, and avoiding the classic new-manager mistakes.
It’s open to all roles and services and the gap between the two sessions gives you time to try the techniques with your own team. - Introduction to Emotional Intelligence
Date and time: Monday 28 September | 09:30 to 12:30 | Teams
Members’ cost: 1 point | Non-members cost: £384
We’ve all worked with someone brilliant at their specialist subject who struggles with working relationships. This one covers the components of emotional intelligence and how to strengthen them. Managing your own emotions (reading other people’s), empathy, and the thinking traps to avoid. Suitable for all career levels. You don’t need to be a manager to get plenty out of it.
Ready for something bigger? Become a Future Leader
Self-paced courses are a great start. But leading in local government comes with challenges no generic course covers. And that’s what our new Future Leaders programme #MadeInLocalGov is all about.
Launching in January 2027, the pilot cohort brings together 10 early-career DDaT professionals.
Participants get:
- Strengths-based profiling
- Coaching and mentoring from experienced leaders
- A free online course
- The chance to job shadow a Socitm trustee
- A bespoke schedule of webinars and events
All built by the sector, for the sector, alongside peers who understand exactly what you’re dealing with.
Nominations are open now. Put yourself forward, or nominate a colleague with potential.
Our events programme returns in September. Keep an eye on the calendar or on your inbox.
