Latest Courses
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.
Community Engagement
18th November 2026
10:30 - 13:00
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road Tichborne Down, Alresford, SO24 0PN
Spaces Available
Local councils engage routinely with their communities through a variety of channels, and receive feedback on a multitude of issues in, and affecting, their area. Community engagement is a form of communication, but making it meaningful involves more than making information available for stakeholders to receive, review and respond. This session is designed to support local councils consider how best to engage with their stakeholders, including how to prepare a plan and implement effective strategies for effective community engagement.
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.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment Training: Your Obligations
To fulfil your duty of care to your employees, it is vital that councils as employers understand the impact of sexual harassment and the steps to take to prevent it. This 2 hour course will give you an understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, the legislative framework surrounding it, and the role that councils as an employer play in fostering a safe working environment. You will learn practical tips on how to prevent, intervene and challenge inappropriate behaviour and feel confident in recognising sexual harassment.
Political Awareness
26th November 2026
10:30 - 13:00
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
Politics can play an important role in the way local councils operate and can sometimes create challenges for Clerks and other council officers. Developing political awareness can help officers understand and manage these dynamics effectively. This session explores the role of politics within organisations, approaches to managing political dynamics, and real-world research and developments in local government. It will also consider how possible policy changes and emerging trends may affect the way councils operate.
Clerk and Officers Update
8th December 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Shaw House, Church Road, Shaw, Newbury, RG14 2DR
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.
Managing Absence and Ill Health
This session is designed to give you an overview of dealing with staff absence and capability relating to ill health.
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.
Handling Challenging Individuals
19th January 2027
10:00 - 13:00
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road Tichborne Down, Alresford, SO24 0PN
Spaces Available
A practical course helping councillors and council staff understand, manage and respond confidently to challenging behaviour. Participants will explore different types of difficult behaviour, communication styles, techniques for defusing situations, assertive communication and personal coping strategies.
What you Need to Know
**This session will be held in two parts. Part 1 - Tuesday 26th January 2026 Part 2 - Tuesday 2nd February 2026** This informal small-group course gives new and inexperienced Officers an introduction to some of the key aspects of the role.
Making AGAR Digital – Preparing for the 2027 AGAR
Learn about the new online portal for submitting elements of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), ahead of its planned introduction in April 2027. This session is aimed at parish and town council clerks, Responsible Financial Officers (RFOs) and other officers responsible for completing and submitting the AGAR. Councillors involved in the process are also welcome.
Intro to CiLCA
This is offered as a 2.5 hour stand-alone session for attendees to gather information to make a decision on whether they would like to take the CiLCA qualification and whether they would like to enrol on the Hampshire ALC Training & Mentoring programme to support them in completing their CiLCA Portfolio.
Making AGAR Digital – Preparing for the 2027 AGAR
Learn about the new online portal for submitting elements of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), ahead of its planned introduction in April 2027. This session is aimed at parish and town council clerks, Responsible Financial Officers (RFOs) and other officers responsible for completing and submitting the AGAR. Councillors involved in the process are also welcome.
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
The Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures Course is aimed at helping those in management roles or members of staffing committees responsible for discipline and grievance in their councils. It is designed to help ensure that disciplinary and grievance procedures are fair, consistent and support everyone in the workplace.
Introduction to Local Council Finance for Officers
An introductory session for Clerks and Officers designed to give to an overview of the Councils' duties regarding financial management and the role of the Responsible Financial Officer.
Year End for Councillors
This 2.5 hour interactive session covers various aspects of the Year End, Internal and External Audits.
Councillor Essentials
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.