Officer Development Framework

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

Please note: this course is Optional in the CDF but it should be considered Intermediate for councillors on Finance Committees.

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 is for clerks, finance staff and councillors 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.

It's ideal for councils that lease or hire out land and buildings such as village halls, community centres, meeting rooms, sports facilities or markets, who need to understand when their council is at risk of not being able to reclaim VAT and vital for any council contemplating major building projects, or incurring significant expenditure on running these facilities.

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

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

The course explains the role of the internal auditor, what to expect from them and how they provide assurance to a council that it has sound financial controls. It also explains how to appoint one.

This session does NOT cover exemption from audit or the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities. Please see the course, Year End & Transparency - councils under £25,000, for those topics.

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

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

The course covers the stages of the AGAR approval and publishing as well as ensuring publication of the information required by the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities, compliance with the Accounts & Audit Regulations and exemption from audit.

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.

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.

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.