To see dates and book on our courses please visit our booking page on this website - if you would like more information, or want to discuss a course or need not covered here, please contact the SPCA Training Officer - ian.cruise-taylor@staffordshire.gov.uk, or 01785 276536 or via spca.parish@staffordshire.gov.uk
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This 2 hour course is ideal for new Councillors or those seeking a refresher. It is usually held on-line, in the evening, although both day-time and in-person group options can be looked at on demand.
SPCA also offers the opportunity for this to be delivered locally, in-person, to councils or groups of councils, on council premises or other convenient locations, which allows for local ‘flavours’ or requirements to be addressed.
The Course covers:
- Roles and responsibilities of the 5 components of the Council
- The importance of the law in meetings with an effective agenda and accurate minutes
- Council delegation through Committees, ways of managing your responsibilities
- Making a Council plan for delivery to and for your Community
- Compliance through Governance arrangements with full transparency.
Cost £ 30 (£60 for non affiliated Councils) for On-line/in person groups. Course Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
Cost £350 for locally provided whole council or council group courses (cost may vary for larger groups).
Course Tutor: Ian Cruise-Taylor (SPCA Training Officer)
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This 6 hour, 2 session course is ideal for new Councillors who have attended Councillor Fundamentals and also experienced Councillors.
Session one,
- Establishing the core components and their relationship within a Council, namely; Council, Councillor, Chairman, Clerk and RFO.
- The law and powers.
- The decision making process – agenda, meetings, minutes.
- Delegated functions committees and annual meetings.
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Session two,
- Questions arising from day 1, moving on to making a strategic plan. What to consider- process, delivery, monitoring and review.
- Setting a budget in order to raise the Precept.
- Governance, the three pillars – Internal Control, Independent Audit, External Audit
- Equipping the staff and Councillors for their role. Working with the community.
Engagement to gain ideas and feedback. Testing ideas delivering services with confidence.
Cost £75
£150 for non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
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This 6 hour, 2 session course is ideal for both new and experienced Chairmen.
The course covers:
Managing and leading people is one of the most challenging situations we find ourselves in. As a community leader you will explore:
Session 1
Part 1. – We examine the role of Chairman prescribed in Law, looking at responsibilities and duties, concluding with what is a good / bad chairman?
Part 2. – Next we look at Chairing meetings, encouraging discussion and reaching a decision. Working within Council policies, and guidelines, setting a business-like structure
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Session 2.
Part 3. – Styles of leadership, developing Councillors and Staff skills increasing knowledge. Ways of handling conflict and motivation. The Team form a strategy……
Part 4. – A budgeting for action, setting the precept, working with and for the Community.
Cost £75
£150 for non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
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This 2 hour course is ideal for Clerks commencing a new role or those wishing to update their knowledge.
The course discusses the following topics:
What is a Parish/Town Council?
Council Roles
Clerk’s Year
Powers and Duties
Meetings and Agendas
Policies and Procedures
Finance
Planning
General Admin
Useful reference pointsPrice £40
£80 for non-affiliated CouncilsThis course is usually conducted on-line, and individual monthly dates are included in training calendar. Additional dates can be arranged to suit, and the course can be either on-line or in-person at Council premises, SPCA offices in Stafford or other convenient venues.
Course Tutor: Ian Cruise-Taylor, SPCA Training Officer.
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This 6 hour, 2 session course is ideal for new Clerks who have completed the Clerks 1-1 Induction and also for experienced Clerks, looking for a refresher
Course Content:
Session one.
Part 1 – We open with your employment. Contract, Policies, Line management.
Organising your calendar, Points of reference. The Council and how it fits together.
Part 2 – Duties and Powers, forming the agenda, and writing minutes.
Delegated responsibilities, including committees. Annual meetings.
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Session two.
Part 3 – We look at accountability. Forming a Council plan to set a budget, in order to raise a precept.
Alongside 3 aspects of Governance and transparency requirements
Part 4 – Resources for the council, people and finance. Working with the community for the community.
Ways to communicate and share ideas.
Price £75
£150 for non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
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This 8 Session course over 16 hours supports students in gaining the knowledge to complete the qualification. It assists them in building their portfolio and gives guidance and support along the way.
As CiLCA is based on the day-to-day and annual activities of a Clerk/RFO, it should be viewed as a test of your knowledge and experience, rather than the learning. It is therefore advised that officers be in post for approximately 12 months before attempting CiLCA, so they have the experience of the full council year as a foundation for their understanding and portfolio. Previous experience in related fields (e.g. other local government, charity or public body administration) can contribute to a candidates state of readiness.
CiLCA is an important qualification for Officers. Achieving this on behalf of their councils completes part of the criteria to achieve the General Power of Competence.
For more information please contact the SPCA Training Officer and visit the CiLCA section of the SLCC website
Price £285
£375 for non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Ian Cruise-Taylor, SPCA, Recognised CiLCA Trainer
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This 2 1/2 hour course is ideal for Councillors and Clerks who want to learn more about making effective representations.
The course will cover:
Introduction to planning;
What are material considerations? An overview of what these are;
How to draft a representation, including some sample text that can be used in letters and what to include (Positive and negative aspects, suggestions for improvement and recommendation);
Planning Conditions: How to apply planning conditions;
Monitoring decisions; and
Consider a range of Case Studies on the following common planning themes:
Change of use;
New homes or buildings;
Retrospective planning applications;
Large developments; and
Outline, Reserved Matters and Full Planning.Questions and Answers
Price £30
£60 non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Hannah Barter from Uvecic
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Details to follow
Price £30
£60 non-affiliated Councils -
This session is for councillors only and is designed to give them a greater understanding of their duties with regard to the council’s finances.
Topics include:
• Roles and responsibilities
• setting a budget and precept
• Financial control
• The Annual Governance & Accountability Return
• Internal and external audit
• How VAT applies to local councilsBy the end of the session you will:
• Understand the council’s duties regarding financial management
• Be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance
• Be aware of how the council’s accounts are prepared and audited
• Recognise the importance of internal controls
• Understand how VAT law applies to your councilSession leader: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk & an accountant with 30 years’ experience in public sector finance, who specialises in advice & training for the local council sector.Cost £30
non-affiliated £60
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For councillors and officers that want to understand the role of the internal auditor and how to appoint one. (Please note, this is NOT a training session for people who want to undertake internal audits)
This session explains the role of the internal auditor in providing assurance to the council that it has sound financial controls.
Topics include:
• legislation and guidance
• Roles and responsibilities
• Risk management
• Internal controls
• how the council appoints an internal auditor
• Scope of internal audit
• Reviewing internal control
• Internal audit reportsSession benefits:
By the end of this session you will:
• Understand the purpose of internal audit
• Be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance
• Understand how a council should appoint an internal auditor
• Recognise the importance of internal controls
• Be aware of the need to review effectivenessSession leaders:
Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk & an accountant with 30 years’ experience in public sector finance, who specialises in advice & training for the local council sector.Tim Light, Lightatouch
Tim has 29 years experience of internal audit with Hampshire County Council. A past President of the Association of Accounting Technicians, he has undertaken internal audits at parish councils for the last ten years and delivers training on related topics.Cost £30
£60 non-affiliated Councils -
This 2 hour course is ideal for Officers who want to understand more about setting up a cashbook on Excel and producing reports to Council.
Content
Basic Elements of the cashbook
Introduction to Excel including:
How to set up a spreadsheet
Use of formulas
Formats
How to use Excel to produce quick and easy reports to Council
How to complete a bank reconciliation
QuestionsCost £30
£60 non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Lisa Horritt, SPCA
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For officers who want to understand how to prepare and publish their council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return on a receipts and payments basis, complying with the Accounts & Audit Regulations and the Transparency Code for Smaller authorities.
This session introduces the Annual Return and the stages of the audit process, enabling you to complete all the relevant steps correctly. It includes additional information on exemption from audit and transparency, only applicable to councils with annual receipts and payments of less than £25,000.
There are similar, alternative sessions for:
Councils over £25,000 (no mention of audit & transparency)
Councils that need prepare Income and Expenditure accountsYou do not need to attend more than one of these, as the content is similar.
Topics include:
• Closing the accounts
• Exemption from external audit
• Internal audit
• Reviewing internal control
• The Annual Return
• Electors rights
• Transparency and publication requirementsBy the end of this session you will:
• Be able to identify the steps needed as part of the year-end process
• Understand how to close the council’s accounts
• Understand how to complete the Annual Return
• Be able to correctly allow the exercise of electors’ rights
• Be able to identify the information a small council must publishSession leader: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk and an accountant with 30 years’ experience in public and voluntary sector finance. He now specialises in delivering training and advice on VAT and finance matters for the local council sector.Cost £30
£60 for un-affiliated councils
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For clerks, finance staff and councillors from councils that are not VAT registered, but reclaim VAT using Form VAT126.
This session explains how VAT affects local councils. Essential for any council contemplating major building projects.
Topics include:
• how VAT law applies to local councils
• where to find the law and guidance
• business and non-business activities
• understanding whether sales are taxable or exempt from VAT
• when a council must register for VAT
• when VAT can be reclaimed
• Partial exemption
• Reclaiming VAT when using grants and donationsBy the end of this session you will:
• Know where to find the relevant legislation and guidance
• Understand the key concepts of VAT
• Know when a council can or can’t reclaim VAT
• Recognise when a council must register for VAT
• Be aware of activities that require special attentionSession leader: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk & an accountant with 30 years’ experience in public sector finance, who specialises in advice & training for the local council sector.
Cost £30
£60 non-affiliated
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This 2 hour course is ideal for Officers and Councillors
Staff are one of the highest costs to a council.
Fail to manage your valuable staffing resource and the council can not only fail to achieve its goals, but also bad practice and poor management can cost the council dear.
We examine possible ways to organise the recruitment, retention, and appraisal of staff. Evaluate performance in line with council objectives, source training and development and look briefly at HMRC and Pension requirements.
Setting up a Committee and why this is needed
Terms of reference
Performance Management
Training and Development
Grievance/ disciplinary/ mediation.Cost £30
£60 non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
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This 2 hour course is ideal for Officers and Councillors
This session covers: –
a) Funding sources and where to look
b) Becoming a more confident and successful fundraiser
c) Practical steps necessary to attain grants
d) The application process and writing funding bids
e) Preparation – planning thoroughly in advance
f) Building the Case for Funding
g) Understanding Eligibility Criteria
h) Fundraising strategies – generate income from multiple sourcesPart 1: Current Grant Availability
An outline of the key funding sources available, grant criteria and what funders are looking for and how to apply.30 minute break
Part 2: Writing more Successful Bids
• Preparation – planning your project and bid thoroughly in advance
• Understanding and meeting eligibility criteria – cutting through the jargon
• Building the case for funding
• Writing robust bids and the application processMike Deegan has extensive experience of developing successful community grant applications with both a leading Charity and during seven years as a Parish Councillor in Staffordshire.
Cost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Mike Deegan, Mike Deegan Consulting
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This 2 hour course is ideal for both Officers and Councillors
This session covers:
• The changing nature of Communications and Media for Councils
• Utilising all relevant opportunities
• Establishing a strategic approach to your communication
• Prioritising key methods and tactics
• Enhancing existing communication and developing new approaches
• Develop your own Council Communications and Media Strategy
• How to effectively implement your Communication and Media StrategyCost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Mike Deegan, Mike Deegan Consulting
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This 2 hour course is ideal for Officers and Councillors
This session covers:
Part 1: Procurement Procedures
• Understanding current regulations
• The need for completing a procurement process
• Developing criteria for sourcing and awarding contracts
• Managing estimates, quotes and tenders
• Ensuring quality, value for money, social value and fairness20 minute break
Part 2: Contracts and Agreements
• Writing basic contracts, tender briefs and agreements
• Producing comprehensive specifications
• Ensuring appropriate legal compliance, certification and policies
• Effective contract managementCost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Mike Deegan, Mike Deegan Consulting
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This 2 hour session is ideal for Councillors
Whether you are an experienced Councillor or have only recently been elected, it is vital that you understand how data protection fits with your role as an elected member.
With legislation and case law constantly evolving, this interactive session will provide you with an opportunity to make sure you are getting the essentials right and ensure you are meeting your legal obligations as a Councillor.
Cost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This 2 hour session is ideal for Council Officers
Data Protection for Town and Parish Councils: for Clerks, Officers and Data Protection Officers
So much has already changed since the advent of GDPR back in May 2018. It is important that Councils ensure they have the most up-to-date understanding as to their obligations.
The training providers nationally-recognised data protection expert has worked extensively with Councillors, non-profit organisations and the information Commissioner to develop best practice guidance, which Councils can use to ensure they are not just meeting their legal obligations but actually ensuring that data protection is a tool to help them better communicate and engage with residents, and not something that hinders such communication.
Cost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This 2 hour course is ideal for Councillors and Officers
Course Content:
• What is the Code of Conduct?
• Why has the Council adopted one?
• How should Councillors behave in their public position?
• The meaning of ‘interests’ and how to register and declare them
• What to do in meetings when there is a conflict of interest
• Dispensations – How and when to apply for them
• What might happen when things go wrong!Cost £30
(£60 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Gill Lungley,
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This 2-part webinar will give you a wider understanding of Trusts, and guidance for the trusteeship of charities.
The following will be covered in each session:
Part 1
• Nature of Trusts
• What are the requirements for a Charitable Trust?
• How is a Charitable Trust created?
• Role of the Charity Commission
• Registration with the Charity Commission or HM Revenue & Customs
• Legal personality of a Charitable Trust
• Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Part 2
• Trustees generally
• Role & responsibilities of Custodian, Holding and Management Trustees
• Duties of management & liabilities
• Winding up or amalgamating a charity
• Dealings with Property
• Village Halls & Recreation Grounds
• TradingThis course is suitable for all Parish Clerks and those involved with or would like to know more about Charitable Trusts and Members who might be trustees.
Cost £50 (for both sessions)
(£100 for non affiliated Councils)Course Tutor: Roger Taylor, Wellers Hedleys Solicitors
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This is a 2 1/2 hour online training course
This course includes strategies, tools and techniques to get the most from your Council’s social media presence
Facebook provides town and parish Councils a unique opportunity to significantly enhance their communications – yet few Councils are fully reaping the benefits on offer.
Discover how to build up effective two-way conversations with local communities, make use of time-saving tools and learn techniques to improve digital engagement, all within the constraints of existing Officer time and resources.This course will also include a 30 minute session at the end for those who have not yet set up a page with practical help about how to do so.
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This is a 2 hour online training course.
This course looks at what requirements and obligations local councils have when it comes to Freedom of Information and related legislation.
We look at what policies and procedures councils should have in place, how to ensure officers and councillors are aware of their obligations and what steps to take when you get an FOI request.
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This is a 2 hour online training course.
Social media offers Parish and Town Councillors as individually-elected members a fantastic opportunity to engage and communicate with their residents.
Building up two-way conversations through the power of digital platforms has never been easier, but it can be tricky to get started and to know where to focus your time and effort as an individual Councillor.
We walk you through the essential ways to get the most out of key social media platforms as a local Councillor, and provide top tips to engage with your residents
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This is a 2 hour online training course.
This session is all about the practical application of accessibility, and will provide you with a practical understanding of the application of accessibility from the perspective of a local council.
We will teach you how to create accessible documents, content and multimedia for use for use throughout the work of your council.
This session will review the basic principles of accessibility, and walk you through tools and techniques to ensure your council is working towards accessibility compliance.
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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This is a 2 hour online training course.
This session will focus on understanding protected characteristics, the difference between direct and indirect discrimination and the definitions of equality, diversity and inclusion – and how the relate to the internal and external work of parish and town councils.
The aim being to raise awareness to barriers to progress for diverse communities and barriers to productivity for staff.
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Breakthrough Communications
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Many councils in Staffordshire held elections in May 2023. this course will be offered again when elections at Town and Parish are to be held
It will help to identify election procedure and how to prepare ourselves as clerks, councillors and the voting community.
Find about contested and uncontested elections, the paperwork trail and timetables, purdah, declarations of office and all you need to know to support everyone involved
Cost £30 (£60 non-affiliated Councils)
Course Tutor: Gill Lungley