Latest Courses
New Clerks and Officers Forum
This informal session is for any clerks or officers who have been in post for less than a year, who would benefit from some interaction and support from others in the same position. The session will be an opportunity for clerks/officers to raise any areas of concern currently or queries on issues they may foresee in the next few months, in a safe space.
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.
Finance and Budgeting for Local Councillors
7th October 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road Tichborne Down, Alresford, SO24 0PN
Spaces Available
This 2.5hour session is designed for Councillors to give them an understanding of their duties regarding the council's finances and budgetary process. Topics include roles and responsibilities, setting a budget and precept, financial controls and the Annual Audit process.
What You Need to Know
This course is delivered over two sessions, and you need to attend both: Part 1: Thursday 8 October 2026 Part 2: Thursday 15 October 2026 This informal, small-group course is designed for new and inexperienced officers. It provides an introduction to the clerk's role, explains key responsibilities, and highlights the support, guidance and resources available. There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss real-life situations.
Update to Employment Law Changes - Briefing Session
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces key changes from April 2026 that will impact councils. Join our free member lunchtime briefing sessions to understand the updates and the decisions you’ll need to make this year to be ready for the changes.
Update to Employment Law Changes - Briefing Session
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces key changes from April 2026 that will impact councils. Join our free member lunchtime briefing sessions to understand the updates and the decisions you’ll need to make this year to be ready for the changes.
Budgeting for Clerks and Officers
This 2-hour informal course is aimed at officers who are involved in preparing and monitoring budgets. If your larger council uses accounting software for budgeting, we will have part of the group looking at how to make the software work for you while those from smaller councils looking at how best to get an overall picture using spreadsheets. Topics include zero base and incremental budgeting, medium and long term capital planning, earmarking, spotting the gaps, assessing contingencies as well as trouble shooting past problems and sharing ideas and suggestions. We will also look at available best practice via the Transparency Code.
Councillor Essentials - Knowledge and Core Skills
20th October 2026
10:00 - 14:30
School Green Centre, School Green, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9EH
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.
Managing Employees in Local Councils
This 3-hour session is designed to give you an overview of employment within the local council sector and how employees should be managed.
Latest Updates in Planning
22nd October 2026
18:30 - 21:00
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court – Podium Level, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ
Spaces Available
The planning system is being remodelled by the new government to help achieve its objectives for housebuilding, economic development and mitigating climate change. A new version of the National Planning Policy Framework was published in December 2024 and measures contained in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act passed in 2023 to speed up plan making are now being implemented. Devolution and local government reorganisation will shake up the relationship between parish councils and upper tier authorities. All of this will have an impact on the way local plans are made, planning decisions are taken and on the role of neighbourhood plans. Suitable Audience The course is aimed at councillors and council staff who have some familiarity with the current planning system and want to keep up to date with the way that it is going to change as a result of new legislation and government policy. Benefits By the end of the Latest Updates in Planning training you will have: An understanding of recent changes to Local Plans Changes that are proposed and how they matter to you The way local plans are made How planning decisions are taken The role of neighbourhood plans Plan-making, housing numbers, biodiversity, and infrastructure funding
Making Effective Planning Representations
This 2.5 hour 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. It will also cover what issues to consider (and what issues to avoid) when your council is discussing its response. It is a practical session designed to help anyone giving guidance to councillors as they consider their representations and get the parish councils message across more effectively.
Local Council Governance - Understanding Your Responsibilities
17th November 2026
10:30 - 13:00
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
As a Parish and Town Councillor you bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring the Council is well governed and that public money is being spent appropriately. This course will explain these responsibilities and outline some suggested processes to have in place to help you carry out this function.
Digital and Data Compliance
This 2 hour session is designed to update council’s on data protection legislation and how to achieve compliance with Assertion 10 on the Annual Governance & Accountability Return.
Clerk and Officers Update
1st December 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Chilcomb Down House, 124 Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HB
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.
Latest Updates in Planning
This course will provide an update on recent planning changes, including the government’s remodelled planning system to support housing, economic growth, and climate goals. Key updates cover the revised National Planning Policy Framework, implementation of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023), and the impact of devolution and local government reorganisation on local and neighbourhood plans.
Digital and Data Compliance
This 2 hour session is designed to update council’s on data protection legislation and how to achieve compliance with Assertion 10 on the Annual Governance & Accountability Return.
Councillor Essentials - Knowledge and Core Skills
Part 1 - Wednesday 13th January 18.30 - 21:00 Part 2 - Wednesday 20th January 18.30 - 21:00 This two part course is suitable for new councillors or those that would like a refresher in the key aspects of being a parish or town councillor. Please note these sessions are being held online and you should attend both sessions.