Councillor Development

Finance for Councillors

Thu 24 Apr 2025 10:00 -11:40
Online
£35.00

This session is for councillors only and is designed to give them a greater understanding of their duties with regard to the council’s finances.

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Freedom of Information for local councils: obligations, procedures and exemptions

Mon 28 Apr 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

This course looks at what requirements and obligations local councils have when it comes to Freedom of Information.

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New Councillor Essentials (afternoon)

Mon 28 Apr 2025 14:00 -16:00
Zoom
£60 members

For parish and town councillors with less than one years’ experience.

Being a newly elected or co-opted councillor can Initially be quite daunting and difficult to understand, 

The New Councillor Essentials will give delegates a good introduction to parish and town life.

Some recent feedback from new councillors attending this training:

“A very good course. The instructor was very open to receiving questions”

“Every subject was covered if only briefly and it then allows you to have an overall understanding and to go into more specific detail of a subject in its own particular training course”

“The delivery was very good and everything was explained thoroughly”

“I think this should be mandatory for all councillors”

Introduction to VAT

Tue 29 Apr 2025 10:00 -11:40
Online
£35.00

This session is for clerks, finance staff and councillors. It explains how VAT rules affects local councils, focussing on those that are not VAT registered, but reclaim VAT using Form VAT126. Essential for any council contemplating major building projects

Crisis Communications for Local Councils

Thu 1 May 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

This session takes participants through the detail of preparing for any crisis. We pass on expert tips and guidance on being prepared and cover the effective steps your council could take should the worst happen.

VAT for VAT registered councils

Thu 1 May 2025 10:00 -11:40
Online
£35.00

This session is for clerks, finance staff and councillors from VAT registered councils who wish to develop their knowledge of how VAT applies to their council's activities.

How councils can engage effectively with young people in their communities

Tue 6 May 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

In this session we explore what we actually mean by the term ‘young people’, what issues matter to different groups of younger people and how to effectively reach and engage them, both online and offline

Some recent feedback from delegates on what was most useful about the course:

'Hearing what other councils are doing, sharing ideas and having data to back it up.'

'Suggestions for use of social media. Hearing other people’s experiences'

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An introduction to neighbourhood planning and design codes

Tue 6 May 2025 10:00 -11:00
Zoom
£35 members

NEW FOR 2025

Does your council want to get started on a Neighbourhood Plan, or review an existing Plan?

This session will provide an understanding of what is involved in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan, and associated documents such as Design Codes, and also help with reviewing exisiting Plans.

Dealing with difficult people and conversations in our local councils

Thu 8 May 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

In this session we explore practical techniques to manage difficult conversations and situations in a council environment.

Communicating with your community part 1: creating a communications strategy

Mon 12 May 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

Learn how to create a public communications strategy that supports the delivery of your council’s priorities, aims and objectives.

Data protection training for parish and town councillors

Mon 12 May 2025 18:30 -20:30
Zoom
£35.00

This session will help you understand your legal obligations to yourself and to your council and how to get things right. as well as introducing Freedom of Information and what this means for councillors.

Boosting your council's identity: how to promote your council effectively

Tue 13 May 2025 14:00 -16:00
Zoom
£35.00

This session will explore what brand identity means for parish and town councils, why it matters, and how to create a clear and consistent identity that reflects your council’s purpose and values.

Social media skills for parish and town councillors

Fri 16 May 2025 18:00 -20:00
Zoom
£35.00

In this session we walk you through the essential ways to get the most out of key social media platforms as a local councillor, what issues to be mindful of, and we provide top tips to engage with your residents.

Some recent feedback from councillors attending this training:

It was good to get an overview about potential use of social media by Councils and Councillors. Real examples and the interactive nature of the course really helped me.'

Internal Controls

Internal Controls

Wed 28 May 2025 10:00 -11:40
Online
£35.00

This session gives councillors and officers an understanding of the need for internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.

Get the most from local and regional media

Fri 30 May 2025 9:30 -11:30
Zoom
£35.00

In this session we explore how you can build effective two-way relationships with journalists, how to write effective press releases and how to get regular coverage in your local and regional media.

Finance for Councillors

Tue 3 Jun 2025 10:00 -11:40
Online
£35.00

This session is for councillors only and is designed to give them a greater understanding of their duties with regard to the council’s finances.

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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

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm

 

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