Training & Events

This course has 2 sessions: 1. Governance 2. Finance To de-mystify internal audit and the annual internal audit report Annual Governance Statement (section 1) – can you tick “yes”? To share “best practice” and consider how we can address any concerns that you might have To provide a directory for […]

The purpose of agendas & minutes The importance of a detailed agenda Best practice in creating agendas & minutes How to create first class agendas & minutes How to handle confidential business Freedom of Information implications Retention of records & archiving

Who should attend? All Councillors, both new into the role, or wishing to update and renew their knowledge. Who is your trainer? The HAPTC team, CEO Nikki Bugden and Council Officer, Katie Eyre Is it for you? Legal framework and purpose of a Parish/Town Council How do you get things […]

Who should attend? Any Councillor, especially those considering becoming the Chairman of their council or a committee. Clerks also welcome for information. Who is your trainer? The HAPTC team, CEO Nikki Bugden and Council Officer, Katie Eyre Is it for you? Programme: What the chairman does before the meeting; at […]

Code of Conduct Evening Training Free to members Our next session will be held after May 2027 elections dates TBA Open to councillors and clerks (free to members, online session)

Who should attend? Clerks of parish, community and town councils with ordinary elections. It aims to give practical help for you to understand the electoral process with regard to parish councils and how to encourage greater participation within your community. Is it for you? This workshop will cover the practicalities […]

When is this held? This session is not held at regular intervals, but organised when there are several new Clerks in need of this training. So, if you would like us to put one in the schedule please contact Katie@haptc.org.uk Who should attend? This course is designed for Clerks and […]

Click here to view demo The Bribery Act 2010 is among the strictest legislation internationally on bribery. It is now possible to charge organisations if it is found they failed to prevent bribery, and to charge individuals who are found guilty of bribing or being bribed. Knowing exactly what is […]

Click here to view demo The Bribery Act 2010 is among the strictest legislation internationally on bribery. It is now possible to charge organisations if it is found they failed to prevent bribery, and to charge individuals who are found guilty of bribing or being bribed. Knowing exactly what is […]

Click here for demo Have you ever refused to leave a tip at a restaurant, or put the phone down on a call centre representative in sheer frustration? Maybe you’ve been annoyed enough to leave a one-star review online! Most of us have endured bad customer service at some point. […]

Click here for demo This password management course is designed to provide clear and concise guidance on the use of passwords and other protection methods to keep your information and data safe and secure. The course will examine how cyber attackers can use different methods to gain access to passwords […]

Click here for demo This course, developed by cyber security specialists Cyber Security Associates, is designed to enhance the learner’s knowledge of one of the fastest growing cyber attack methods: phishing. The course is useful for anyone who works with digital devices, and provides learners with details of information security […]

Click here for demo This course is designed to look at the different ways of using video conferencing and the processes and technology that can be used to protect how we use these services. Objectives By the end of the course you should be able to: Appreciate the history and […]

Click here for demo Main Features Every time we buy a product, sign up to a service or get a new job, we willingly hand over our personal information, placing our trust in countless companies to handle our data securely and responsibly, despite frequent news of hacks and data breaches. […]

Click here for demo Developed by experienced training specialists, Creative Learning Solutions, this Display Screen Equipment course addresses the fact that it is not the equipment in our daily office lives that is responsible for poor health and absenteeism, but the way in which we use it. The course will […]

 Thursday, 8 October ’26   10am – 11:30am  Wednesday, 21 October ’26   10am – 11:30am  Thursday, 5 November ’26   10am – 11:30am  Tuesday, 17 November ’26   10am – 11:30am  This session is aimed at officers of parish & town councils, who are involved in preparing and monitoring their council’s budgets. Topics […]

This session is seasonal and held in the autumn when budgets are set Course content When to start the budget-setting process The role of the Responsible Financial Officer and councillors in preparation of the budget How to go about preparing the budget and setting the precept Budget monitoring The importance […]

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. Wednesday, 9 September ’26   10am – 11am  Thursday, 29 October ’26   6:30pm – 8pm  Tuesday, 3 November ’26   10am – 11:30am Thursday, 10 December ’26   10am […]

 Wednesday, 30 September ’26   10am – 11:30am  Wednesday, 18 November ’26   10am – 11:30am   This session give councillors and clerks an understanding of the need for internal controls and how they work, with practical examples and case studies. Topics include: • Roles and responsibilities • Financial risks • Purpose […]

Tuesday, 13 October ’26   10am – 11:30am  Thursday, 12 November ’26   10am – 11:30am  Tuesday, 8 December ’26   10am – 11:30am   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 […]

Thursday, 1 October ’26   10am – 11:30am  Tuesday, 24 November ’26   10am – 11:30am  Thursday, 28 January ’27   10am – 11:30am This introductory session is for inexperienced clerks of councils in membership of HAPTC in their year and is designed to give them an overview of a council’s year, along […]

For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils. Wednesday, 16 September ’26   10am – 11:30am Tuesday, 20 October ’26   10am – 11:30am Tuesday, 26 January ’27   10am – 11:30am  Thursday, 4 March ’27   10am – 11:30am Tuesday, 27 April […]

 Wednesday, 14 October ’26   10am – 11:30am  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) This session explains the role of the internal […]

Canva Part One – Getting Started Canva is a design tool that can be used for free. It allows you to quickly create posters, newsletters, and other physical documents. You can also create images and videos for social media and websites. This session is for people who have never used […]

Part 1: creating a communications strategy Every local council should have a communications strategy. It should set out its communications priorities, aims and goals. In this session, we will consider how your council could create an effective communication strategy. One that is sustainable and supports your council. A strategy that considers your council’s […]

The effective chairing of meetings is a good skill for a councillor to have. This session is for councillors that have been recently elected. It is also aimed at those wanting a refresher. During the session we will consider how to effectively prepare for meetings. How to get the most […]

It has never been more important for councillors to understand social media. In the session we will go through the confusing world of social media communications. It is designed for both social media users and those new to it. During the session you will learn where to focus your time […]

A crisis could strike at any point. Anything from flooding to a meeting going viral. There are many ways in which you could find yourself in the eye of the media storm. This session takes participants through the detail of preparing for any crisis. Passing on expert tips and guidance on being prepared. […]

Councillors: data protection training It’s important for any councillor to grasp how data protection laws relate to your role. This is true for new as well as longer serving councillors. This session clarifies a councillor’s legal responsibilities to themself and the council. We will guide you on the right procedures and best […]

Handling professional relationships within local councils is critical. However, it can be tough dealing with challenging people and situations. In this session, we discuss practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and situations

This course examines the obligations of local councils regarding Freedom of Information (FOI). We discuss the necessary policies and procedures. How your council could ensure awareness among officers and councillors about FOI. Consider the steps to follow when managing an FOI request including the use of exemptions.

Cemetery Management for Parish and Town Councils This introductory cemetery management course provides a practical overview of legal compliance and day-to-day operations. It is designed to build confidence in understanding burial regulations, record-keeping, health and safety requirements, and the core processes involved in managing cemetery sites. Ideal for those new […]

Making  Accessible Document using MS Word and PDF’s As a Parish or Town Council Clerk, you’re responsible for producing key documents such as agendas, minutes, and reports—and ensuring they are accessible to all members of your community, including people with disabilities, is not just good practice, it’s a legal requirement. […]

Allotment Management Councillors and clerks of member councils that administer allotments are encouraged to attend this session, either as a refresher or to learn about allotment management, how to ensure the council has lawful tenancy agreements in place, rules for tenants and other policies and procedures required to maintain an […]

Heath and Safety on Allotments Local councils that manage allotment sites have a duty to consider health and safety, particularly in public areas of the site. This session is recommended for councillors and clerks of member councils who oversee allotments—whether as a refresher or to gain a clear understanding of […]

The new National Planning Policy Framework – what Councils need to know  In August 2026, the Government published a new version of the NPPF – the key national planning document. The new framework is the most substantial rewrite of planning rules in at least a decade.  It aims to increase […]

NEW – Induction for Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) We will go through the RFO’s workbook that YLCA have produced, to ensure you understand the role and responsibilities of the RFO. These sessions cover the role of the RFO. Cost: £55.00 per delegate Thursday 29 October, 9.30am to 11.30am Wednesday 9 […]

Getting to grips with using the website for more community engagement, Mark Tomkins This engaging webinar is perfect for parish and town councils looking to maximise the potential of their website for both functionality and community engagement. You’ll discover how to make your website a dynamic tool that not only […]

Business Continuity Plan – Preparing for the Unexpected Every council faces risks that can disrupt normal operations, from severe weather and utility failures to cyber incidents, staff shortages, and other unforeseen events. A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) helps ensure that essential services can continue and recover quickly when disruption occurs. […]