To see dates and book on our courses please visit our booking page
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This 2 hour course is ideal for new Councillors or those requiring a refresher.
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)Course Tutor: Kim Bedford, Kim Bedford Training
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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?
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 CouncilsCourse Tutor: Lisa Horritt, SPCA
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This 6 hour, 2 session course is ideal for new Clerks who have completed the Clerks 1-1 Induction and experienced Clerks
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 5 Session course over 16 hours comprises of training students in the knowledge of how to complete the qualification. It assists them in building their portfolio and gives guidance and support along the way.
CiLCA should be viewed as ‘the test’ of your knowledge, 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.
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 Lisa – SPCA Training Officer and visit the CiLCA section of the SLCC website
Price £275
£375 for non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Lisa Horritt, 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, Urban Vision Enterprise
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This 2 hour course is ideal for both Clerks and Councillors in preparation for starting the budget process.
Course Content:
- How to set up a Budgeting system
- How the Budget feeds the Precept process
- Calculating your Councils precept requirements
- Council Tax support grants
- Timetable for Precepting within your council
- Generating the Annual Return from the accounting system (an overview)
Price £30
£60 non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Alan Toplis, Toplis Associates
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Coming soon
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This 2 hour course is ideal for anyone wishing to understand more about the role of the Internal Auditor. This could include Councillors, Officers and Internal Auditors.
Course Content:
Supplementing the “Surviving the Year End Audit” course, this course will cover the following:
- Ever wondered what your Internal Auditor is supposed to do
- Does your Internal Auditor understand the Governance and Accountability Guidelines (or even have a copy)
- Do you want to become an Internal Auditor
- How should your council manage its Internal Auditor
Cost £30
£60 non-affiliated CouncilsCourse Tutor: Alan Toplis, Toplis Associates
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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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This 2 hour course is ideal for Officers both new to their role and as a refresher.
The course will cover:
– satisfying the Internal Audit
– end of year bank reconciliations
– drawing up accounts for the APM, annual council meeting and the end of year audit
– the Annual Governance and Accountability Return Card
– variance identification and reporting
– public reporting of audit
– likely External Audit questions
– special reporting requirements for councils with a turn over of less than £25k p.a.
Course Tutor: Alan Toplis, Toplis Associates
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This 2 hour course is ideal for both Officers and Councillors who wish to understand more about VAT in Local Councils.
Course Content:
– The basics of VAT
– What and how to claim
– Maximising your claim
– Correcting errors
– Pitfalls of VAT
– Limits and “De minimis” arrangements
– How to decide when to register for VAT
– How HMRC determines penalties
– Sports facilities and village halls
– Building projects
– Getting more information
Please note that this training course is primarily aimed at those councils who are VAT UB’s (unregistered bodies) who make their claims of VAT on Form 126 (electronic or manual).
If you are already a fully VAT registered council making quarterly returns and would like specific training tailored to your needs, please contact us and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Cost £30
£60 non-affiliatedCourse Tutor: Alan Toplis, Toplis Associates
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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