Officer Development Framework

DAPTC provides training in a mixture of online scheduled courses, accessible at any time e-learning modules and in-person courses and events. Below are all training courses for clerks, officers and employees - they are listed once by subject matter and selecting a course will show all available dates for you to choose from. Each course also shows which part of the Councillor/Officer Development Framework it belongs to.

Prices listed include the 50% discount available to DAPTC member councils. Non DAPTC member councils are welcome to book a place for double the price shown against each course.

Get in touch if your council is interested in bulk purchasing e-learning modules or whole council training on a specified topic. Call 01305 224460 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Event Date Wed 22 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Wed 22 Jul 2026 9:00
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Leader, ODF Expert
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This course provides guidance on what to do when a council finds itself in the eye of a media storm.

Event Date Thu 23 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Thu 23 Jul 2026 9:00
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

Event Date Tue 28 Jul 2026 16:00 - 17:00
Cut Off Date Tue 28 Jul 2026 16:00
Available Place 42
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
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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.

Event Date Mon 3 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30
Cut Off Date Mon 3 Aug 2026 9:30
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, ODF Essentials
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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.

Event Date Tue 4 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30
Cut Off Date Tue 4 Aug 2026 9:30
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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This course covers how councils demonstrate accountability with data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 2 of 3.

Event Date Mon 10 Aug 2026 12:30 - 14:30
Cut Off Date Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:30
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Optional, Clerk Development, ODF Essentials
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This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.

Event Date Mon 17 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30
Cut Off Date Mon 17 Aug 2026 9:30
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Essentials
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This course puts your communication plan into action for effective community engagement and a sustainable approach to reaching the public. Part 2 of 2.

Event Date Tue 18 Aug 2026 13:00 - 15:00
Cut Off Date Tue 18 Aug 2026 12:00
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Intermediate, ODF Intermediate
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Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

Event Date Thu 10 Sep 2026 11:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Thu 10 Sep 2026 11:00
Available Place 50
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
Village Hall

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

Event Date Thu 17 Sep 2026 19:00 - 20:30
Cut Off Date Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Moreton Village Hall
Categories Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework

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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.

Event Date Tue 29 Sep 2026 10:00 - 11:30
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development
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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.

Event Date Wed 30 Sep 2026 10:00 - 11:30
Price £35.00 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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There are currently no dates available for this course. Please check back again soon.

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

Event Date Tue 13 Oct 2026 10:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Tue 13 Oct 2026 9:00
Price £35 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Intermediate
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Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

Event Date Tue 13 Oct 2026 16:00 - 17:00
Cut Off Date Tue 13 Oct 2026 16:00
Available Place 50
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
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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.

Event Date Wed 14 Oct 2026 10:00 - 11:30
Price £35.00
Location Online
Categories ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, Councillor Development, CDF Leader
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Essential for new councillors in order to understand their responsibilities and for existing councillors wanting a refresher on the subject.

Event Date Mon 19 Oct 2026 18:00 - 20:00
Cut Off Date Mon 19 Oct 2026 17:30
Available Place 15
Price £30 for members
Location Online
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Optional
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An opportunity for new clerks, appointed in 2025, to come together, meet the DAPTC team and learn more about how we can support you in your role.  

Event Date Mon 16 Nov 2026 10:00 - 13:00
Available Place 15
Price Free
Location Pimperne Village Hall
Categories ODF Essentials
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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.

Event Date Wed 18 Nov 2026 10:00 - 11:30
Price £35.00 members
Location Online
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
Village Hall

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

Event Date Wed 18 Nov 2026 19:00 - 20:30
Cut Off Date Wed 18 Nov 2026 12:00
Available Place 47
Price Free
Location Pimperne Village Hall
Categories Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework

Please login to register for this event

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

Event Date Thu 26 Nov 2026 11:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Thu 26 Nov 2026 11:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
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Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

Event Date Tue 12 Jan 2027 16:00 - 17:00
Cut Off Date Tue 12 Jan 2027 16:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
Village Hall

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

Event Date Thu 14 Jan 2027 19:00 - 20:30
Cut Off Date Thu 14 Jan 2027 12:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Charminster Community Hall
Categories Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework

Please login to register for this event

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

Event Date Thu 18 Feb 2027 11:00 - 12:00
Cut Off Date Thu 18 Feb 2027 11:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
Village Hall

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

Event Date Wed 10 Mar 2027 19:00 - 20:30
Cut Off Date Wed 10 Mar 2027 12:00
Available Place 50
Price Free
Location West Parley Community Hub
Categories Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework

Please login to register for this event

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

Event Date Tue 23 Mar 2027 16:00 - 17:00
Cut Off Date Tue 23 Mar 2027 16:00
Available Place 49
Price Free
Location Zoom
Categories Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework
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This e-learning course includes a range of activities to help you develop your understanding of cyber security, the cyber threat and how to stay safe at work and at home​.

Event Date
Price £15.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course includes a range of learning activities to help you better understand the importance of password management.

Event Date
Price £15.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course explores the use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and how the set up of desks and workstations can have a significant impact on health.

 

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Essentials
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This e-Learning course includes a range of learning activities to help you understand the dangers of phishing attacks. 

Event Date
Price £15.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course includes a range of learning activities to help you develop your understanding of video conferencing and the cyber security measures that should be in place.

Event Date
Price £15.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course is for everyone as anyone who processes personal data must comply with data protection rules and follow good practice in data management. 

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Essentials​, Councillor Development, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course includes a range of learning activities to help identify simple opportunities to make a positive impact on our environment. 

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course addresses threats to equality such as discrimination, harassment and victimisation, explores how to promote fairness, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course outlines the parameters of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), how it functions and how requests under the FOIA should be made and dealt with.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories ODF Optional, CDF Optional
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This e-learning course will develop your understanding of how and why we get things wrong and help to prevent potentially serious incidents in the workplace and beyond.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, Council Employee Development, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course helps develop an understanding of information security through highly interactive activities and provides best practice tips to ensure information is kept secure.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course explores what behavioural agility is and provides practical advice to help you think on your feet and adapt quickly and positively.

Event Date
Price £10.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course explores habitual behaviour and provides practical advice to help address habits and behaviours.

Event Date
Price £10.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course will assist newly elected and co-opted councillors to understand what local councils are, what they do and how they operate. 

Event Date
Price £16.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Essentials​, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course explores how menopause affects women and why people and organisations need to learn about it.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Expert
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This e-learning course will increase awareness of mental health and provide techniques to support you and those around you.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Expert
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This e-learning course aims to raise awareness of common risks to personal safety and offers strategies to help minimise the chances of becoming a victim of crime. 

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Expert
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This e-learning course will help employees recognise, manage and reduce stress through a range of learning activities.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories ODF Optional, CDF Optional
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This e-learning course aims to increase awareness of unconscious bias and give practical tips on reducing the effect it has on decisions, attitudes and behaviour.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course will explore health and safety legislation and its importance for individuals, employers and society.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course will develop understanding of the importance of customer service and the power it has to make a break a person's day and ultimately a council's reputation.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories ODF Optional
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This e-learning course will help develop an understanding of the hazards and circumstances that lead to fire and how to  manage them appropriately.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location Online
Categories CDF Optional, Clerk Development, ODF Essentials
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This e-learning course provides a greater understanding of resilience and offers practical advice to help you become more resilient.

Event Date
Price £10.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course will help develop an understanding of infection and measures that can be put in place to protect everyone in and outside of a workplace.

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Optional
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This e-learning course provides practical guidance and advice on how to effectively work from home. 

Event Date
Price £14.00
Location E-Learning Course
Categories CDF Optional, ODF Essentials

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Contact

Telephone: 01305 224460

Member Advice: advice@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
Member Training: training@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
General Enquiries: info@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

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