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
8th October 2026
10:00 - 12:30
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
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.
Councillor Essentials - Knowledge and Core Skills
20th October 2026
10:00 - 14:30
School Green Centre School Green Shinfield Reading Berkshire 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.
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.
Managing Employees in Local Councils
22nd October 2026
10:30 - 13:30
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
This session is designed to give you an overview of employment within the local council sector and how employees should be managed as well as considering the role of volunteers. Suitable Audience - Councillors and staff responsible for managing people, or those who wish to develop their knowledge in this area.
Changes to the Planning System - The New National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (FREE)
22nd October 2026
18:30 - 21:00
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court – Podium Level, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ
Spaces Available
The Government is making changes to the planning system. This session will look at the latest changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and how these are being put into practice, as well as recent developments in plan making. These changes will have an impact on the way local plans are made, planning decisions are taken and the role of neighbourhood plans. Free for up to two delegate per council.
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.
Introduction to Appraisals
10th November 2026
10:30 - 13:00
Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke RG24 9NT
Spaces Available
This session will enable you to use best practice when preparing for and conducting appraisal meetings with employees and understand where these meetings sit within the wider context of performance management systems. You will have the opportunity to practice the skills learn through role play in a safe environment. Suitable Audience Councillors and staff responsible for managing people and performance, or those who wish to develop their knowledge in this area.
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.