Becoming a clerk to your local parish or town council can be a rewarding experience. Initially it can also be quite daunting and difficult to understand.
We will try and ease you into your new role with some helpful training interventions aimed at making sense of some of the acronyms, topics and procedures required.

PRINTABLE - 2023 TRAINING & EVENTS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Dates for New Clerk Induction training are shown below (when available). 

Clerks' Conference  11 October 2023 - 10:00 to 15:00 at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester. There will be some great content, an opportunity to catch up and get some key updates.
Read about some outputs and images from the 2022 Clerks' Conference 

Clerks and Officers briefing - Standards in Public Life - 7 February 2022 10:00 to 11:00 online. Hear how the Code of Conduct, Register of Interests and standards are generally positioned for new and existing councillors. See below for booking

DAPTC offer free monthly one hour sessions to help new Clerks (and elected members and prospective councillors) understand how we support members in Dorset. 

Finance training 

Basic Finance training - DAPTC are offering two-hour training sessions covering the finance basics a clerk or RFO to a small parish needs to know. The content is suitable for those new to role or have some experience, but would like a refresher. The sessions will be very small – a maximum of three places on each – to ensure delegates have ample opportunity to ask questions.

Cost - £42/delegate

Please register your interest HERE by email. As soon as we have two or three expressions of interest we will be in contact with dates and times. Where possible we will look to provide in person training but if the geographic spread of delegates means this is not feasible, we will either offer online training via Zoom or in the DAPTC office in Dorchester.

Communications and Data Protection (GCPR) training 

E-learning training provides an opportunity for member councils to ensure their clerks and officers (and councillors) understand key topics. Thirteen topics are available, including:

Freedom of Information Essentials

Health and  Safety Essentials

Time Management Essentials 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Workstation Essentials 

Introduction to Local Councils 

Once the e-learning is booked and the registration details received from DAPTC, the topic can be worked through on any day and time to suit you.

Agendas, minutes and report writing - dates to be announced in due course. Register your interest HERE

Planning training 

Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiCLA) -