INSIGHTS
Introducing the H26 Personal Development Plan Builder
A practical, guided tool to help you set a clear goal, choose the right development activities, and leave with a plan you can actually deliver.
Why this matters
Personal development is easy to talk about and hard to execute â especially alongside meetings, casework, work, and family life. The PDP Builder exists to turn âI should improve at Xâ into a plan with a realistic pathway, clear actions, and a finish line.
What you get at the end
- A single, measurable development goal.
- Practical development options that fit your role and time.
- Actions with dates, success measures, and accountability.
- A downloadable PDP output you can keep and revisit.
Key point: This is designed for real council life â limited time, competing priorities, and the need to stay focused.
Who it's for
- New councillors building confidence
- Chairs and vice-chairs shaping leadership habits
- Officers supporting capability and governance
- Anyone who wants a plan that doesn't gather dust
When to use it
- After induction
- Before annual meetings (to reset focus)
- When you've hit a confidence wobble
- When you're stepping into a new role
How the PDP Builder works
- Define the outcome â choose a goal that is specific, measurable, and relevant to your role.
- Choose development options â select learning and experience that fit your time and responsibilities.
- Set actions â create clear steps you can complete.
- Measure success â decide what âdoneâ looks like, and set a target date.
Built for busy people: you can complete it in one sitting or return later without losing your progress.
Built for accountability: a plan is only useful if it's clear enough to review in 30 seconds.