Latest Courses
VAT Partial Exemption
For clerks, finance staff and councillors of councils that lease or hire out land and buildings (such as village halls, community centres, meeting rooms or markets), who need to understand when their council is at risk of not being able to reclaim VAT. Essential for any council contemplating major building projects, or incurring significant expenditure on running these facilities.
Introduction to VAT
This session is for clerks, finance staff and councillors. It explains how VAT rules affects local councils, whether they are VAT registered or reclaim VAT using Form VAT126. This course is being offered for FREE for a limited time only. The course will be delivered 'online' on the following dates; 26th February 24th March 16th April
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.
Procurement
For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils. This session introduces the new rules of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025 and replace the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The session covers the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money.
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.
Councillor Essentials
19th May 2026
10:00 - 14:30
Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Aikman Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8FT
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.
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.
Councillor Essentials
4th June 2026
10:00 - 14:30
Chilcomb Down House, 124 Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HB
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.
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.
Councillor Essentials
9th June 2026
18:30 - 21:00
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0PN
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.
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.
Chairing Skills
23rd June 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Southampton Science Park - Kenneth Dibben House, 2 Venture Road, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NP
Spaces Available
This course is for chairs, committee chairs or those who might aspire to these roles.
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.
Chairing Skills
24th June 2026
18:00 - 21:00
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road Tichborne Down, Alresford, SO24 0PN
Spaces Available
This course is for chairs, committee chairs or those who might aspire to these roles.
Navigating the Procurement Process
Navigating procurement requirements can be a complicated process, with a growing number of regulations to adhere to; and uncertainty over what form of legal agreement or process to use. This session provides guidance to help local councils through this process. It enables participants to implement effective procurement; - including when and how to go to tender. It also outlines how to develop simple legal contracts and robust written-agreements.
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.
Councillor Essentials
7th July 2026
18:00 - 21:00
Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Aikman Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8FT
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.
Introduction to Local Council Finance for Councillors
An overview financial training session is for Councillors designed to give them understanding of their duties regarding the council's finances. Topics include roles and responsibilities, setting a budget and precept, financial control, The Annual Governance & Accountability Return and the Internal and External Audit
Handling Challenging Individuals
9th July 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Chilcomb Down House, 124 Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HB
Spaces Available
The aim of this course is to give participants the tools and confidence to deal with difficult or challenging behaviour in their council. We will look at ways of trying to understand why the other person (or people) may be being challenging, ways of assessing the issues and considering techniques to resolve these situations. There will also be an opportunity to share ideas with other course participants through applying the skills to real life scenarios.
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.
Chairing Skills
21st July 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road Tichborne Down, Alresford, SO24 0PN
Spaces Available
This course is for chairs, committee chairs or those who might aspire to these roles.