Officer Development Framework
DAPTC provides training in a mixture of online scheduled courses, accessible at any time e-learning modules and in-person courses and events. Below are all training courses for clerks, officers and employees - they are listed once by subject matter and selecting a course will show all available dates for you to choose from. Each course also shows which part of the Councillor/Officer Development Framework it belongs to.
Prices listed include the 50% discount available to DAPTC member councils. Non DAPTC member councils are welcome to book a place for double the price shown against each course.
Get in touch if your council is interested in bulk purchasing e-learning modules or whole council training on a specified topic. Call 01305 224460 or email
This course explores best practice for creating an effective communications strategy that fits with the needs and aspirations of your council. Part 1 of 2.
| Event Date | Mon 1 Jun 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 1 Jun 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Essentials |
This course is for officers and employees involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.
| Event Date | Tue 2 Jun 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Essentials, CDF Optional |
This course will define "young people" and how to effectively reach and engage them, both on and offline.
| Event Date | Tue 2 Jun 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 2 Jun 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, ODF Intermediate |
This course explains to councillors and officers the role of the internal auditor in providing assurance to the council that it has sound financial controls and how to appoint one.
| Event Date | Wed 3 Jun 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35.00 |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, Councillor Development, CDF Leader |
This course explores the foundations, theory and core principles of data protection, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Part 1 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 8 Jun 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 8 Jun 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, ODF Essentials |
This course explains why a strong and recognisable brand identity is key to ensuring your council is seen, heard and valued by the community.
| Event Date | Wed 10 Jun 2026 9:30 - 11:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 10 Jun 2026 8:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Optional |
This course explains the basics of Facebook so you can get started in the right way and improve your council's communication.
| Event Date | Thu 11 Jun 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 11 Jun 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Intermediate |
This course covers how councils demonstrate accountability with data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 2 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 15 Jun 2026 13:00 - 15:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 15 Jun 2026 12:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, Clerk Development, ODF Essentials |
This course provides councillors, officers and employees an understanding for the need of internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.
| Event Date | Wed 17 Jun 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 17 Jun 2026 8:00 |
| Price | £35.00 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Essentials |
This course explores how to achieve regular and positive coverage in your local media and to build effective relationships with journalists.
| Event Date | Thu 18 Jun 2026 9:30 - 11:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 18 Jun 2026 8:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Optional |
This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 22 Jun 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 22 Jun 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Essentials |
This course explores how to get the most from key social media platforms to ensure your social media output supports your council to achieve its goals and aims.
| Event Date | Thu 25 Jun 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 25 Jun 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Expert |
This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.
| Event Date | Tue 30 Jun 2026 18:30 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 30 Jun 2026 17:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Essentials |
This course explores the basics of Canva, showing how to get the most out of the free version, and is ideal for those who have never used Canva before. Part 1 of 2.
| Event Date | Wed 1 Jul 2026 12:30 - 14:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 1 Jul 2026 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Expert |
This course is for those who already understand the rules of VAT and explains when VAT cannot be reclaimed in relation to exempt activities and what options may be available.
| Event Date | Thu 2 Jul 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Thu 2 Jul 2026 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 2 Jul 2026 11:00 |
| Available Place | 46 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
This course explores the foundations, theory and core principles of data protection, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Part 1 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 6 Jul 2026 13:30 - 15:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 6 Jul 2026 12:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, ODF Essentials |
This course provides those in any council role with an understanding of behaviour, resilience and how to build emotional intelligence.
| Event Date | Wed 8 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 8 Jul 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Leader, ODF Expert |
This course puts your communication plan into action for effective community engagement and a sustainable approach to reaching the public. Part 2 of 2.
| Event Date | Thu 9 Jul 2026 13:00 - 15:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 9 Jul 2026 12:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, ODF Intermediate |
This course covers how councils demonstrate accountability with data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 2 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 13 Jul 2026 11:00 - 13:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 13 Jul 2026 10:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, Clerk Development, ODF Essentials |
This course explores the foundations, theory and core principles of data protection, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Part 1 of 3.
| Event Date | Tue 14 Jul 2026 18:30 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 14 Jul 2026 17:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, ODF Essentials |
This course shows how to get more out of Canva and create complex designs and branding for your council. It is ideal for those who have experience of using Canva. Part 2 of 2.
| Event Date | Wed 15 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 15 Jul 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Optional |
In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.
| Event Date | Wed 15 Jul 2026 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 15 Jul 2026 12:00 |
| Available Place | 48 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Leigh Village Hall |
| Categories | Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework |
This course is for officers and employees involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.
| Event Date | Thu 16 Jul 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Essentials, CDF Optional |
This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 20 Jul 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 20 Jul 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Essentials |
This course is aimed at new chairs and vice chairs of councils and committees and to those considering stepping into such roles. It can also act as a refresher to those already in post and with more experience.
| Event Date | Mon 20 Jul 2026 18:00 - 20:00 |
| Available Place | 5 |
| Price | £60 - £100 |
| Location | Hybrid Meeting |
| Categories | CDF Leader, ODF Optional |
| Event Date | Wed 22 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 22 Jul 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Leader, ODF Expert |
This course provides guidance on what to do when a council finds itself in the eye of a media storm.
| Event Date | Thu 23 Jul 2026 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 23 Jul 2026 9:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Optional |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Tue 28 Jul 2026 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 28 Jul 2026 16:00 |
| Available Place | 48 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
This course explores the foundations, theory and core principles of data protection, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Part 1 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 3 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 3 Aug 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, ODF Essentials |
This course explores best practice for creating an effective communications strategy that fits with the needs and aspirations of your council. Part 1 of 2.
| Event Date | Tue 4 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 4 Aug 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Essentials |
This course covers how councils demonstrate accountability with data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 2 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 10 Aug 2026 12:30 - 14:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, Clerk Development, ODF Essentials |
This course explores data subject rights and information security under data protection and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation. Part 3 of 3.
| Event Date | Mon 17 Aug 2026 10:30 - 12:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 17 Aug 2026 9:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Optional, ODF Essentials |
This course puts your communication plan into action for effective community engagement and a sustainable approach to reaching the public. Part 2 of 2.
| Event Date | Tue 18 Aug 2026 13:00 - 15:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 18 Aug 2026 12:00 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Intermediate, ODF Intermediate |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Thu 10 Sep 2026 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 10 Sep 2026 11:00 |
| Available Place | 50 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.
| Event Date | Thu 17 Sep 2026 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Moreton Village Hall |
| Categories | Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework |
This course is for those who already understand the rules of VAT and explains when VAT cannot be reclaimed in relation to exempt activities and what options may be available.
| Event Date | Tue 29 Sep 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development |
This course provides councillors, officers and employees an understanding for the need of internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.
| Event Date | Wed 30 Sep 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35.00 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Essentials |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Tue 13 Oct 2026 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 13 Oct 2026 16:00 |
| Available Place | 50 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
This course explains to councillors and officers the role of the internal auditor in providing assurance to the council that it has sound financial controls and how to appoint one.
| Event Date | Wed 14 Oct 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35.00 |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | ODF Intermediate, Clerk Development, Council Employee Development, Councillor Development, CDF Leader |
Essential for new councillors in order to understand their responsibilities and for existing councillors wanting a refresher on the subject.
| Event Date | Mon 19 Oct 2026 18:00 - 20:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Mon 19 Oct 2026 17:30 |
| Available Place | 17 |
| Price | £30 for members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Optional |
An opportunity for new clerks, appointed in 2025, to come together, meet the DAPTC team and learn more about how we can support you in your role.
| Event Date | Mon 16 Nov 2026 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Available Place | 15 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Pimperne Village Hall |
| Categories | ODF Essentials |
This course provides councillors, officers and employees an understanding for the need of internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.
| Event Date | Wed 18 Nov 2026 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Price | £35.00 members |
| Location | Online |
| Categories | CDF Essentials, ODF Essentials |
In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.
| Event Date | Wed 18 Nov 2026 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 18 Nov 2026 12:00 |
| Available Place | 47 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Pimperne Village Hall |
| Categories | Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Thu 26 Nov 2026 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 26 Nov 2026 11:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Tue 12 Jan 2027 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 12 Jan 2027 16:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.
| Event Date | Thu 14 Jan 2027 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 14 Jan 2027 12:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Charminster Community Hall |
| Categories | Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Thu 18 Feb 2027 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Thu 18 Feb 2027 11:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |
In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.
| Event Date | Wed 10 Mar 2027 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Cut Off Date | Wed 10 Mar 2027 12:00 |
| Available Place | 50 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | West Parley Community Hub |
| Categories | Member Engagement, Councillor Development Framework, Officer Development Framework |
Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.
| Event Date | Tue 23 Mar 2027 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Cut Off Date | Tue 23 Mar 2027 16:00 |
| Available Place | 49 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Zoom |
| Categories | Clerk Development, Officer Development Framework |

Contact
Telephone: 01305 224460
Member Advice: advice@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
Member Training: training@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
General Enquiries: info@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
