Latest Courses
Making Effective Planning Representations
This session will explain the principles which underpin how a planning decision is made, and how your comments as a consultee can be drafted to best effect. It will give you an understanding of the key terminology planning officers use and where to find relevant information amidst what is often a mass of documents.
Managing Employees in Local Councils
28th April 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
This 3-hour session is designed to give you an overview of employment within the local council sector and how employees should be managed.
Writing Grant Applications and Sourcing Funding
Opportunities for funding can be limited for Town & Parish Councils, so knowing where and how to source grants is crucial. This session provides practical guidance and advice on the grants available; - and the essential skills needed to write more successful bids.
Introduction to Planning
This session is for Councillors on the planning committee and anyone who will be engaging with planning matters for the first time.
Clerk and Officers Update
10th June 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
These sessions, for local council employees, are relatively informal and are designed for information sharing and networking. Topical subjects are introduced, occasionally by external expert speakers. You will also have time to raise own issues and questions and given a forum for discussion, problem-solving and support. A programme is produced for each Clerks and Officers Update, designed to cover the topics that are most relevant to you as a member of staff in the sector at that time.
Councillor Essentials
18th June 2026
10:00 - 14:30
Shaw House, Church Road, Shaw, Newbury, RG14 2DR
Spaces Available
This course is suitable for new councillors or those that would like a refresher in the key aspects of being a parish or town councillor.
What You Need to Know Clerks and Officers
24th June 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
**This session will be held in two parts. Part 1 - Wednesday 24th June Part 2 - Wednesday 1st July** This informal small-group course gives new and inexperienced members of staff (clerks, deputies, assistants) an introduction to some of the key aspects of the role.