Councillor Development

This course examines the obligations of local councils regarding Freedom of Information (FOI).

In this session we explore what we actually mean by the term ‘young people’, what issues matter to different groups of younger people and how to effectively reach and engage them, both online and offline

In this session we will consider how to establish positive relationships with journalists and how to write impactful press releases.

Creating a communications strategy

This session clarifies a councillor’s legal responsibilities to themself and the council

In this session, there will discussions about practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and situations.

This session will explore what brand identity means for parish and town councils, why it matters, and how to create a clear and consistent identity that reflects your council’s purpose and values. 

It has never been more important for councillors to understand social media.

Recent feedback on this course: "It was good to get an overview about potential use of social media by Councils and Councillors. Real examples and the interactive nature of the course really helped me."

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

+++  Spaces limited book early +++

This a practical workshop to help you thrive in your council role.

Our HR partners Worknest have a useful free webinar scheduled to ensure you are on top of managing the potential risks through fire.

Recruiting passionate and engaged individuals to stand as councillors is becoming increasingly challenging.

Implementing effective community engagement and building a sustainable approach to getting your messages across to the public

Ideal for new councillors recently in roles, or for returning councillors wanting a refresher course. This course may benefit new to role clerks and members of their team where they have one.

Examples of recent feedback from delegates attending this course:

“This was a good refresher for me, packed with useful information and with excellent examples”

“Presentation was very clear and didn’t presume any prior knowledge. The trainer was happy to take questions throughout”

“Useful summaries on all aspects”

“Andrew’s delivery of the information was the best I have attended so far, clear, informative with memorable examples that make the principles stick in the mind”

What to do if you consider a bad / unlawful planning decision has been made.

Suitable for new to role councillors, refresher for existing and experienced councillors. Also beneficial for clerks and their teams where they have one.

The National Allotment Society are your trainers and this event is being hosted by our colleagues at Somerset ALC. THIS COURSE IS OVER TWO DATES - Spaces limited to 30 book early.

In this session, there will discussions about practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and situations.

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.

This course examines the obligations of local councils regarding Freedom of Information (FOI)

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

Join us for a one-day conference for councillors and clerks inspired by the A Fresh Start report.

For parish and town councillors with less than one years’ experience.

Being a newly elected or co-opted councillor can Initially be quite daunting and difficult to understand, 

The New Councillor Essentials will give delegates a good introduction to parish and town life.

In this session we explore what we actually mean by the term ‘young people’, what issues matter to different groups of younger people and how to effectively reach and engage them, both online and offline

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.

Creating a communications strategy

This session clarifies a councillor’s legal responsibilities to themself and the council

NEW FOR 2025

This session builds on the Basic Introduction to Planning webinar and covers some of the more specialised aspects of the planning system as well as looking at some aspects in more detail.

This session will explore what brand identity means for parish and town councils, why it matters, and how to create a clear and consistent identity that reflects your council’s purpose and values. 

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)

It has never been more important for councillors to understand social media.

Recent feedback on this course: "It was good to get an overview about potential use of social media by Councils and Councillors. Real examples and the interactive nature of the course really helped me."

In this session we will consider how to establish positive relationships with journalists and how to write impactful press releases.

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.

Councillors training: Data protection training for parish and town councillors

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

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.

Councillors training: Data protection training for parish and town councillors

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.

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.

Councillors training: Data protection training for parish and town councillors