The Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development
Integrity in Local Governance. Excellence in Local Development.
Four roles, one institute
The Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development is a professional membership body advancing ethical leadership, professional standards, training, certification, research, policy influence, ethical resource stewardship, and professionalism in local governance and sustainable community development.
01
Regulate
Standards, certification, and ethical conduct that protect the public.
02
Train
Professional programmes, CPD, and qualifications across five Schools.
03
Advocate
Policy influence, consultations, and a voice for local governance.
04
Research
Evidence-based publications, toolkits, briefs, and a flagship journal.
Direct routes to the most-used CILGD services
Members, partners, employers and the public can act in one step — no menu hunting, no marketing copy.
Join CILGD
Apply for membership or chartered status.
Verify a Certificate
Confirm a CILGD-issued certificate.
Verify a Member
Confirm a member’s grade and standing.
Register for Training
Enrol on a course, diploma, or programme.
Pay Subscription
Renew membership dues.
Code of Ethics
Download the code that governs all members.
Find a Member
Search the public register.
Submit Research
Propose a paper, brief, or case study.
Become a Partner
Institutional and corporate partnerships.
Report a Concern
Raise a professional conduct issue.
A chartered pathway from student to fellow
CILGD recognises every stage of a local governance career. Use the eligibility tool to find the grade that matches your qualifications and experience.
- 01
FellowFCILGD
For senior professionals with strong academic and professional experience.
- 02
Full MemberMCILGD
For experienced professionals in local governance, public administration, development, or related fields.
- 03
Associate MemberACILGD
Suitable for early-career and mid-level professionals.
- 04
Graduate Member
For individuals who hold a university degree or diploma and are interested in building a professional career in local governance and development.
- 05
Student Member
For students who are currently studying with CILGD or at relevant institutions.
- 06
Corporate Member
For organizations and institutions that support local governance and development.
- 07
Honorary FellowHonFCILGD
Awarded to distinguished individuals who have demonstrated long service and outstanding contribution to governance and development.
Five Schools, one professional standard
From decentralisation to corporate-community partnerships, CILGD groups its training around the disciplines that matter most to local governance practitioners.
School 01
School of Local Governance & Decentralization
- Local government systems
- Decentralisation policy
- Local authority administration
Explore programmes →
School 02
School of Community Development & Social Impact
- Community mobilisation
- Participatory development
- Rural development
Explore programmes →
School 03
School of Ethical Leadership & Public Integrity
- Ethics in public service
- Anti-corruption in local governance
- Public accountability
Explore programmes →
School 04
School of Public Policy & Development Planning
- Policy analysis
- Development planning
- Monitoring and evaluation
Explore programmes →
School 05
School of Corporate-Community Partnerships
- CSR strategy
- Community investment
- Stakeholder engagement
Explore programmes →
How CILGD delivers on its mandate
Pillar 1
Professional Standards & Certification
Develop and maintain internationally benchmarked standards for local governance and development professionals.
Pillar 2
Training & Continuous Professional Development
Lifelong learning opportunities that improve competence, leadership, and practical performance.
Pillar 3
Ethics, Integrity & Public Trust
Ethical leadership, professional discipline, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public and community resources.
Pillar 4
Research, Policy & Thought Leadership
Evidence-based research, publications, policy recommendations, and practical governance tools.
Pillar 5
Membership, Networking & Career Development
A vibrant professional community supporting recognition, mentoring, collaboration, and career growth.
Pillar 6
Digital Transformation & Global Reach
Technology delivering training, member services, digital certification, online verification, and global engagement.
Pillar 7
Partnerships & Institutional Development
Strategic partnerships with governments, universities, local authorities, NGOs, development partners, and international bodies.
Read the CILGD brochure
A global professional home for local governance and development practitioners. An overview of the Institute’s mandate, membership grades, and how to join — available to read in your browser or download as a PDF.
PDF · approx. 800 KB
Explore the CILGD organisational tree
An interactive directory of every region, sub-region, and member country — drawn from the same UCLG section directories CILGD partners with worldwide. Click any region to drill down to its sub-regions, then to its countries and their national associations.
- AfricaUCLG Africa
- EuropeCEMR
- AsiaUCLG ASPAC
- North AmericaUCLG NORAM
- South AmericaFLACMA
- OceaniaUCLG ASPAC
154 member countries · 6 regional bodies · partnered with UCLG
Working alongside the institutions that build local governance
CILGD’s programmes are anchored by collaboration with national and regional bodies, training institutes, and professional associations across the local-governance world.
A global institute with regional offices
CILGD is incorporated in Delaware, United States as its Global Registered Office, and operates the West Africa Office at NALAG House in Accra, Ghana. Additional regional offices and country chapters will be announced as the Institute’s international network expands.
Global Registered Office
Dover, Delaware
Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development
8 The Green, STE B
Dover, Kent County, DE 19901
Delaware, United States of America
West Africa Office
Accra, Ghana
Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development
NALAG House, 4th Floor
13 Gulf Road, South Legon
Accra, Ghana
Digital Address: GA-238-5346