Training & Events
 
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 […]
Environmental Awareness EssentialsClick here for demo It explores the importance of being environmentally aware in your workplace and the steps we can all take to reduce our negative impact on the climate. By the end of this course you will: Recognise the benefits of a greener approach to your working practices Know […]
Equality, Diversity & InclusionClick here for Demo Certain characteristics are protected by the equality law and it is necessary for every employee to know what these are, so they can abide by the equality legislation. If a person feels your organisation (or someone in your organisation) has treated them unfairly, they can start […]
Fire Safety EssentialsClick here for demo The risk of fire and the resulting threat to human life is very real. You will no doubt be aware of the devastating consequences fire can have, but do you know how to prevent fires and what to do in the event of a fire? This […]
First Aid EssentialsClick here for demo It’s estimated that first aid could prevent as many as 150,000 deaths in the UK every year, yet around a quarter of us admit we’d be too scared to intervene. In truth, medical emergencies are frightening, and panic can take over. Have a think about how you […]
Freedom of Informationclick here for demo Being able to access information held by public authorities is an important right in an open society. Freedom of information makes our authorities more accountable in delivering public services, and stimulates public debate on issues that are important to everyone. Above all, it helps create an […]
Health & SafetyClick here for demo Main Features Keeping your employees healthy and safe should be a major consideration for your organisation; to comply with the Health and Safety legislation and to make sure you have happy and healthy employees. All incidents and injuries in the workplace affect the well-being of your […]
Home Working EssentialsClick here for demo More people than ever before have swapped their daily office commute for a shuffle down the hallway to a home-based workstation. It’s certainly a cultural shift! Trying to establish a productive work routine in the epicentre of our home lives can seem like an impossible task, […]
Finance Webinars hosted by Steve ParkinsonÂ
For course dates and bookings email katie@haptc.org.uk
For clerks, finance staff and councillors from councils that are VAT registered, who wish to develop their knowledge (VAT registered councils have a 9-digit registration number, submit quarterly VAT returns online and charge VAT on taxable sales. If your council submits a VAT126 claim, it is not VAT registered). This […]
Year End and Audit – Councils Over ÂŁ25,000For officers who want to understand how to prepare their council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return and comply with the requirements of the audit process. This session does NOT cover exemption from audit or the Transparency Code for smaller Authorities. We have alternative sessions for councils under ÂŁ25,000 that need […]
Year End and Transparency – Councils under ÂŁ25,000Details For officers who want to understand how to prepare and publish their council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return on a receipts and payments basis, complying with the Accounts & Audit Regulations and the Transparency Code for Smaller authorities. This session introduces the Annual Return and the stages of the […]

Courses hosted by Breakthrough Communications
For course dates and bookings please email katie@haptc.org.uk
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 […]
Communicating with Your CommunityPart 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 […]
Councillors: chairing meetings effectivelyThe 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 […]
Councillors: social media skillsIt 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 […]
Crisis communications for local councilsA 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. […]
Data Protection & GDPRCouncillors: 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 […]
Dealing with difficult people and conversationsHandling 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
Freedom of Information for councilsThis 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.

HAPTC Core Basics
Training providers: Nikki Bugden, CEO and Katie Eyre, CO
For course dates and bookings, email katie@haptc.org.uk
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 […]
Agendas and MinutesThe 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
Basic Councillor TrainingWho 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 […]
Chairmanship & Meetings ProcessWho 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 […]
ElectionsWho 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 […]
Getting You Started – New ClerksWhen 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 […]
Neighbourhood PlanningWho should attend? Councillors, Clerks, members of neighbourhood planning committees from your local community and anyone with an interest in neighbourhood planning Who is presenting? James Parker, CEO Bishop’s Stortford Town Council What is the format? This 2-part package comprises 1) a 1/2-day training session followed by 2) an interactive […]
Can’t see a course subject that you need? Contact us at Katie@haptc.org.uk for further information on all sector courses available.
Cancellation Policy
Please inform us immediately if you are unable to attend; there might be a reserve list. Member cancellations within 48 hours (2 full working days) of the course will be invoiced in full; non-members must give at least a full working week notice. This is to cover preparation and other costs (any handouts will be posted to the Clerk). You are of course welcome to find someone else to take your place. If we are able to reallocate at late notice we will inform you that the invoice is void.