Councillor Development

A basic introduction to planning
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”

Planning Enforcements and Appeals
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.

Allotment Training | National Allotment Society
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.

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

Finance for 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.

Freedom of Information for local councils: obligations, procedures and exemptions
This course examines the obligations of local councils regarding Freedom of Information (FOI)

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

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

New Councillor Essentials (afternoon)
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.

How councils can engage effectively with young people
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

Finance for 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.

Communicating with your community Part 1
Creating a communications strategy

Councillors: Data Protection Training
This session clarifies a councillor’s legal responsibilities to themself and the council

An intermediate understanding of the planning system
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.

Boosting Your Council's identity: how to promote your council effectively
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.

The Role of Internal Audit
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)
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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