Officer Development Framework

This e-learning course addresses some basic first aid responses to common accident and medical emergency situations that may be faced in a low-risk workplace.

This e-learning course will give you confidence in how to approach working with volunteers, providing training to them and ensuring they return.

This e-learning course explores the shadow cast by terrorism and extremism, how to spot warning signs and where to seek support for those in danger of becoming radicalised.

This course explains to councillors and officers the role of the internal auditor in providing assurance to the council that it has sound financial controls and how to appoint one.

This e-learning course explains what constitutes sexual harassment, how to recognise it and how to address and report it.

This course explores the foundations, theory and core principles of data protection, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Part 1 of 3.

This course covers how councils demonstrate accountability with data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 2 of 3.

This course explores best practice for creating an effective communications strategy that fits with the needs and aspirations of your council. Part 1 of 2.

This introductory course to finance is for inexperienced clerks, deputy clerks and RFOs in their first few months in role and will provide an overview of a council's financial year and a basic understanding of the RFO's role.

This e-learning course explores the risks and legal responsibilities related to manual handling.

This e-learning course increases awareness of the impact and type of bullying behaviours that can occur in the workplace and provides guidance on what to do if you're being treated unfairly at work.

This e-learning course will help you hone your skills in customer service excellence and combines psychological insight with practical advice.

This course looks at what requirements and obligations local councils have under the Freedom of Information Act.

This course shows how to get more out of Canva and create complex designs and branding for your council. It is ideal for those who have experience of using Canva. Part 2 of 2.

Ideal for new councillors and new to role clerks and employees. The course is also suitable for everyone requiring a refresher on planning.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

A perfect follow up to A Basic Introduction to Planning covering some of the more specialised aspects of the planning system as well as looking at some aspects in more detail.

Essential for new councillors in order to understand their responsibilities and for existing councillors wanting a refresher on the subject.

This course provides councillors, officers and employees an understanding for the need of internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.

This course is for clerks/RFOs, employees in finance and councillors. It explains how VAT rules affect local councils, whether they are VAT registered or reclaim VAT using Form 126 and its importance when contemplating major building projects.

This course is for officers and employees involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.

This course is for those who already understand the rules of VAT and explains when VAT cannot be reclaimed in relation to exempt activities and what options may be available.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

This course will help clerks/RFOs and employees to prepare their council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) and comply with the requirements of the audit process.

This course puts your communication plan into action for effective community engagement and a sustainable approach to reaching the public. Part 2 of 2.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

This course is will help clerks/RFOs and employees to prepare their council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) and comply with the requirements of the audit process.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

This course is designed to give councillors and clerks an understanding of what is involved in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan and associated documents such as Design Codes, with a view to enabling them to get started or review an existing plan.

This course explains why a strong and recognisable brand identity is key to ensuring your council is seen, heard and valued by the community.

This course explores the basics of Canva, showing how to get the most out of the free version, and is ideal for those who have never used Canva before. Part 1 of 2.

This course provides guidance on what to do when a council finds itself in the eye of a media storm.

This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.

This course provides practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and situations.

This course provides those in any council role with an understanding of behaviour, resilience and how to build emotional intelligence.

This course is aimed at new chairs and vice chairs of councils and committees and to those considering stepping into such roles. It can also act as a refresher to those already in post and with more experience.

This course explores how to achieve regular and positive coverage in your local media and to build effective relationships with journalists.

This course will define "young people" and how to effectively reach and engage them, both on and offline.

This course focuses on how to spark interest in your community for serving as a councillor.

This course explores how to get the most from key social media platforms to ensure your social media output supports your council to achieve its goals and aims.

This course explains the basics of Facebook so you can get started in the right way and improve your council's communication.

There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

This course is for councillors, clerks and employees, new and experienced, and explores what a local council can do when considering if a bad or unlawful planning decision has been made. 

This e-learning course explores the practicalities of good time management, providing tips and coping mechanisms to make you more productive and efficient at work, and by default, everyday life!

In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.

Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

This e-learning course helps to identify activities that are classed as work at height under the law and how to carry out such activities safely.

Designed to help councillors, clerks and employees understand the new version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the key national planning document.

Dorset Council, facilitated by DAPTC, are holding a series of listening events on Zoom to help inform the parking review. Register now to attend the event or events relevant to your council.