Alongside the Young Leaders programme, the Franco-British Council piloted an initiative dedicated to supporting the social mobility for young people in both countries: the Franco-British Local Leaders programme.
This programme brings talented individuals aged 20-30 from disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial qualities for the benefit of their communities.
Franco-British Local Leaders
There are 48 Local Leaders who come from disadvantaged backgrounds on both sides of the Channel who are now part of the programme. Through creating a business or local political involvement to improve the living conditions of young people, they all created a positive impact on their communities and have a “success story” to tell. They all share the same goal: to develop their impact at an international level.
Local Leaders are required to accept the Franco-British Local Leaders Charter as part of membership on the programme.
Applications for the Local Leaders Programme 2026
Applications for the Local Leaders Programme 2026 are open from Monday 15th December 2025 until Friday 20th February 2026 at 23.59 GMT. Applications will not be processed after the closing date.
The application form can be downloaded here
Criteria for selection
We advise all applicants to consider these carefully in assessing their own eligibility. Unsuccessful candidates from previous years may want to re-apply.
1) Exceptional and demonstrable professional qualities.
2) Approximately aged 20-30 with citizenship or residency in France or the UK.
3) A proven track record of leadership.
4) A conversational level of English (seminar sessions are conducted in English).
5) Notice will be taken of any applicant from a disadvantaged background or having overcome significant adversity.
Jersey
In 2025, the Franco-British Council and the Government of Jersey announced a five-year partnership for the period 2025-2030 as part of working together to enhance Franco-British cooperation.
Young people with connections to Jersey will also be eligible for the Franco-British Local Leaders Programme. The selection process will follow the same criteria and be overseen by the secretariat of the Franco-British Council.
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
No Local Leaders were chosen in 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic
2020
2019
2018
2017
