The Power of Local Climate & Biodiversity Action
Dive into the future of local governance with our newest online training module! Developed exclusively for GAPTC members, this two-hour session is your gateway to unlocking the power of climate and biodiversity actions at the hyper-local level. Discover practical strategies tailored for town and parish councils to drive impactful reductions in CO2 emissions. Join us as we explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and empower you to make a meaningful difference in your community's environmental footprint. Don't miss this opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future! Register now to secure your spot.
Clerks the Knowledge 1-3
This is a three-part course offered virtually and face to face. Each part is a two-hour session and covers the basics that all new clerks need to know about:
Part 1: Roles and responsibilities of the council members and officers, agendas & minutes, core documents, the duties of the council and legal advice & guidance.
Part 2: An introduction to planning, community engagement, grant finding, CPD and the Local Council Award Scheme
Part 3: This is the finance module and includes year-end accounts, governance & accountability, budget & precept setting, VAT, borrowing & you financial regs
The fee is £45 per two-hour session, online or in person
BOOKILCA (Introduction to Local Council Administration)
This self-guided, online course is an introduction to the work of a local council, its councillors and the clerk. It provides an opportunity for a new clerk to study in their own time while they settle into their role. This e-learning is offered by the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). GAPTC also offers new clerk training delivered in person to small groups. More details on the member portal under 'events'.
£120 per deligate, self-guided e-learning.
BOOKCiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration)
CiLCA is a practical, level 3 qualification for the sector, available to all local council sector staff and councillors. The qualification provides a broad knowledge of all the aspects of a clerk’s work including roles and responsibilities, the law, procedures, finance, planning and community involvement. CiLCA has been tailored to meet the occupational standards for clerks and chief officers of a local council, following consultations across the sector. GAPTC offers small-group tutoring sessions to help CiLCA candidates understand the expectations and possible pitfalls of each learning outcome.
The fee is £235 for councils with an income up to £25,000 and £395 for those with an income of £25,001 and over. Please note that students must also register with SLCC who validate this qualification and the cost is £410. We recommend that SLCC registration is not done until after the GAPTC mentoring sessions start, when advice will be given about SLCC registration.
New Clerks Finance
This introductory session is for inexperienced clerks in their first few months and is designed to give them an overview of a council's year, along with a basic understanding of the RFO's role.
Topics include: Roles and responsibilities, setting a budget and precept, internal controls, the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR), and internal and external audits
By the end of the session you will be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance, be able to describe the key financial activities in a year, be aware of how the council's accounts must be prepared and audited and be able to recognise the importance of internal controls.
The fee is £45 for the two-hour online, trainer-led session
BOOKBudgeting for Clerks & Finance Staff
Topics include: Sstting a budget and precept, contingencies and reserves, how the council tax base affects the budget, inflation and budget monitoring.
By the end of this session you will understand how and when to prepare a budget, know how to approve and issue a precept, be aware of the factors that affect a budget, and understand how to manage a budget.
The fee is £45 for the two-hour online, trainer-led session
Agendas & Minute Writing
Let's talk agendas. Who owns it? How is the Chairman involved in the agenda? What are agendas legally required to include? What items should be listed and how should they be entered onto the agenda so that councillors know what is being discussed and how best to prepare. A properly prepared agenda helps the Chairman ensure the meeting runs smoothly. Effective minute taking is vital to successful meetings. The minute taker is responsible for producing a lasting written record of a meeting – making sure that decisions and actions are properly noted.
Join this course, presented by GAPTC, online or in person and learn how to issue a professional agenda and write concise, effective minutes.
The fee is £45 for the two-hour online, trainer-led session