Eyebrows have been raised at New County Hall / Lys Kernow in Truro about a new role, which has been advertised as paying up to £52,252 – for a job no one really understands.

It appears many are unclear what a ‘Leadership Futures Practitioner’ is and some councillors have questioned whether a cash-strapped Cornwall Council really needs one.

A number of councillors contacted the LDR service confused and irritated by adverts for a Leadership Futures Practitioner, which takes local government jargon to a whole new level. As is often the way with such things they preferred to keep their heads beneath the political parapet and wanted to remain anonymous.

Among the latest jobs advertised by the local authority, the position was advertised online on websites such as LinkedIn.

It states: “As the world, communities and local government change, it is increasingly important for the local government leadership community to develop alongside this transformation. As a result, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a ‘Leadership Futures Practitioner’ to drive the development and delivery of Cornwall Council’s leadership development framework.

“The role of ‘Leadership Futures Practitioner’ is pivotal in ensuring that Cornwall Council’s current and future leaders are ready for the future. This means taking an innovative and future-facing perspective in supporting Cornwall Council’s leadership community.

“This role has a fundamental contribution to Cornwall Council’s organisation development activity and is about implementing Cornwall Council’s leadership strategy.

"The role is instrumental in the delivery of leadership programmes that enhance leadership culture, organisational performance, innovation and growth and agility. The role holder will work with leaders across Cornwall Council and beyond to deliver leadership development interventions that have a positive impact, enhancing leadership capability in essential areas, such as inclusivity, digital leadership and sustainability.

“If you are experienced in leadership development and have a creative and collaborative nature, then we would love to work with you. Come and be part of our future and make a difference. Salary range: £43,629 to £52,252.”

Any the wiser? Some members of the council certainly aren’t and have questioned the need for such a role when the council is having to cut back on services as it aims to make savings of £29m in its draft budget proposals for 2024/25. It already faces an overspend of £15m at the end of the second quarter of the current financial year.

“What we really need: a ‘Leadership Futures Practitioner’. What next,” asked one councillor. “Compare this to what they are saying right now about tight finances.”

Another added, wryly: “Bet everyone loves this job title…”

“What does it actually mean?” asked another.

If you think you’re the right person for the role, unfortunately you're out of time as the closing date for applications was on November 30.