Councillor Development
Listed below are courses in a number of different formats for councillors of parish and town councils across Dorset. We provide online, e-learning and in person training as well as events to network at. Take a look from the schedule below and make sure you check with your clerk to make sure you haven't spent the entire training budget!
If your council wish to bulk purchase e-learning modules do get in touch. If you would like to discuss the delivery of one of the courses for the whole council, please call on 01305 224460 and we can discuss what your are looking to do.
Prices listed apply for DAPTC member councils only.
Non DAPTC member councils are welcome to book a place for double the price shown against the training.
Freedom of Information for local councils: obligations, procedures and exemptions
This course looks at what requirements and obligations local councils have when it comes to Freedom of Information.
New Councillor Essentials (afternoon)
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.
Sorry, the event is now full
New Councillor Essentials (early evening)
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.
Sorry, the event is now full
Communicating with your community part 2: engaging with your community
Discover the tools, strategies and techniques needed to better promote your own messages but also to better respond to the voices within your local community.
Finance for Councillors
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.
How councils can engage effectively with young people in their communities
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
Canva Part 2 - Advanced (New)
This session is for experienced Canva users.
During the session we will focus on the advanced features of Canva, showing you how your Council can get more out of this online graphic design tool.
Councillors: social media skills
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.
The Role of Internal Audit
For councillors and officers that want to understand the role of the internal auditor and how to appoint one. (Please note, this is NOT a training session for people who want to undertake internal audits)
How councils can engage effectively with young people in their communities
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
Introduction to VAT
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
Communicating with your community Part 1: Creating a communications strategy
Learn how to create a public communications strategy that supports the delivery of your council’s priorities, aims and objectives.
Dealing with difficult people and conversations in our local councils
In this session we explore practical techniques to manage difficult conversations and situations in a council environment.
Internal Controls
This session gives councillors and officers an understanding of the need for internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies.
Finance for Councillors
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.
Recruiting and retaining councillors
Learn effective ways to raise awareness and interest in the work of the council, in order to better promote and demystify the role of a councillor.
