Latest Courses
Intro 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.
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.
Year End for Councillors
This 2.5 hour interactive session covers various aspects of the Year End, Internal and External Audits.
Councillor Essentials
5th March 2026
10:00 - 14:30
Chilcomb Down House, 124 Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HB
Full
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.
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.
Year End and Officers Update
17th March 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Chilcomb Down House, 124 Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HB
Spaces Available
This 3 hour interactive session covers various aspects of the year end as well as offering an opportunity to network with your peers.
Hampshire ALC CiLCA Training and Mentoring Programme
The Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification is a Level 3 foundation qualification that provides local council staff, such as clerks, with a broad knowledge of all the aspects of their work including roles and responsibilities, the law, procedures, finance planning and community involvement. This qualification will take approximately 12 months to complete and is administered by the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) as part of the sector framework of qualifications.
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
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
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.
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.
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.