Local Government Framework

Framework FAQs

The Climate Capability Framework is a practical tool that helps councils build the skills, knowledge, and systems needed to embed sustainability, resilience, and climate readiness across all areas of their organisation. It brings together five key domains of capability, six role levels, and five maturity stages to show what good looks like and how to get there. The Framework provides a common language and structure that supports consistent, purposeful action across leadership, governance, operations, and community engagement.

The Framework recognises that capability looks different depending on a person’s role within council. The six levels — Elected Member, Executive, Manager, Team Leader, Professional/Specialist, and Operational — reflect both responsibility and sphere of influence.

  • Elected Members set strategic direction and policy.
  • Executives translate strategy into organisational priorities and governance systems.
  • Managers and Team Leaders implement and oversee actions within teams.
  • Professionals and Specialists provide technical expertise and advice.
  • Operational Staff deliver services and manage assets at the frontline.

Each role contributes uniquely to embedding sustainability and resilience into council operations.

The five domains represent the areas where councils must build capability to effectively respond to climate, sustainability, and resilience challenges. They reflect the full span of council responsibility:

  1. Leadership & Governance – Ethical, transparent decision-making that integrates climate and sustainability goals.
  2. Strategic Planning – Long-term thinking and alignment with climate and resilience objectives.
  3. Technical & Operational – Practical delivery of services and infrastructure that reduce risk and emissions.
  4. Community & Stakeholder – Engagement, education, and collaboration to strengthen local resilience.
  5. Innovation & Learning – Continuous improvement, adaptation, and knowledge sharing across the organisation.

Together, these domains create a complete picture of what a climate-ready, sustainable council looks like.

The Framework can be used in a variety of ways including as a self-assessment, a planning tool, or a foundation for professional development. Councils can:

  • Review existing strategies, plans, and position descriptions to identify alignment or gaps.
  • Assess maturity levels across different domains and roles.
  • Inform updates to position descriptions, learning programs, and performance planning.
  • Use it as a conversation starter across departments to build a shared understanding of sustainability and resilience goals.

It’s designed to be flexible and scalable, whether you’re just starting your journey or already leading in this space.

Each role can be assessed against the five maturity levels: Emerging, Developing, Proficient, Advancing, and Leading.

Start by reviewing the responsibilities, skills, and decision-making influence of the role, then consider:

  • How consistently are climate, sustainability, or resilience considerations applied?
  • Are there systems, training, or policies supporting this work?
  • How much initiative or leadership is shown within and beyond the role?

A role doesn’t need to reach the same level in every domain. What’s leading for one role may be developing for another. The aim is to set realistic expectations and identify targeted development opportunities.

The Framework was developed by Sustainable Horizons and its subsidiary Climate Jobs through collaboration with local government practitioners and sustainability experts. It reflects best practice thinking and real-world experience from councils across Australia.

While designed for local government, many of the principles can be adapted for other organisations that play a role in building community or environmental resilience.  Climate Jobs will be building specific frameworks for other sectors so get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.

Yes. Councils can use the Framework independently or engage us for facilitation, workshops, or capability assessments. Tailored support helps align the Framework with your council’s strategies and workforce need.

Ideally every 12–24 months. This helps track progress, measure the impact of development initiatives, and ensure alignment with changing community and environmental priorities.

Talk to us about applying this in your council

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A Sustainable Horizons initiative. Where workforce capability meets climate ambition.

Acknowledgement of Country
 Climate Jobs acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we live, work, and play. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

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