Events: online and in-person

As part of its training offer, DAPTC holds online and in-person events in the form of webinars, meetings and conferences.

Webinars, under the banner of Working Togther Webinars (WTW) tend to be free events with no limit on who can attend. DAPTC holds WTW with Dorset Council and other relevant parties to brief parish and town councils about key changes, projects and initiatives that will affect lives in Dorset. They may simply provide information or include an ask for action - it all depends on the topic. The WTW with Dorset Council often provide an opportunity to engage with Dorset Council officers, elected members and other specialist experts.
To find out more about the purpose of Working Together Webinars, WATCH THIS 1 MINUTE VIDEO on Vimeo.

Conferences are in-person events which tend to be orientated around councillors or clerks and employees although at times, depending on the subject matter, they may be for everyone. These events attract a fee - just like training courses - to cover costs and refreshments as conferences run from morning through to mid-afternoon.

What if I can't attend an event?
DAPTC will publish any resources from events as soon as possible, in an article similar to those below. Webinars are recorded when possible and uploaded like resources for those that can't make it on the day.

DAPTC Parish Networking Events

FIRST EVENT: 14 May 2026

In-person events aimed at smaller parish councils in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking at venues around the county.

These 90-minute DAPTC hosted events are suitable for clerks, officers, employees and councillors. Generally, the format will be 45 minutes of presentations followed by 45 minutes of discussion and networking. Subject matters will be relevant to all local councils in Dorset but the focus will be particularly for smaller parish councils.

These events are for information only and are not part of any wider area-based governance.

VIEW ALL DATES and REGISTER NOW

DAPTC Clerks' Café

NEXT EVENT: 26 May 2026

Online events aimed at clerks of smaller parish councils and parish meetings in Dorset, providing topical updates and opportunities for networking.

These 1-hour DAPTC hosted Zoom events will be split into 2 - 3 segments including the latest news and updates, presentations, and discussion/networking. Subject matters will be relevant to all local councils in Dorset but the focus will be particularly for smaller parish councils and parish meetings.

These events are for information only and are not part of any wider area-based governance.

VIEW ALL DATES and REGISTER NOW

WTW: Dorset Council Climate Webinar

Thursday 30 April | 12noon - 1:30pm | Online via Teams

This session will cover what Dorset Council is doing regarding climate, including the work on its own operations and helping to facilitate action across the county.

USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER NOW

WTW: Age Friendly Dorset

Wednesday 20 May | 4pm | Online via Zoom

Age Friendly Dorset is a multi-agency initiative coordinated by Dorset Council, aiming to develop age-friendly communities that make Dorset a place where growing older means living better, and where every generation enjoys a good life.

This session, delivered by Cllr Steve Robinson (Dorset Council Adult Social Care portfolio member), Sarah Parsons (Ageing Well Programme Lead), and Sam Poole (Corporate Director for Commissioning, Adults), will introduce the initiative and its eight areas of focus: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services.

A presentation will be followed by a Q&A, and a discussion exploring how parish and town councils already contribute to support for older people, and what more we could be doing.

USE THIS LINK to find out more about Age Friendly Dorset on the Dorset Council website.

USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER NOW

WTW: Event Management/Martyn's Law

Outdoor concert

Tuesday 9 June | 4pm | Online via Zoom

If your council runs or facilitate events, or manages a venue such as a hall or showground, this session is for you.

This session, led by Ian Carter (DC's Senior Licensing Officer and Chair of its Safety Advisory Group), will set out the key aspects of event planning/management including event plans, risk assessment, and the role of the Safety Advisory Group. It will also focus on the new requirements stemming from 'Martyn's Law', enacted in April 2026 with the aim of minimising the risk of terrorism at venues and events.

There'll be a discussion element to the session - as well as answering your questions, this will help to inform future training and information provision.

While Martyn's Law is of particular relevance to those councils involved in larger venues and events, the session will be a helpful introduction/refresher for anyone who manages council meetings, or runs/facilitates community events.