Training & Events

click here for demo Have you ever jumped to the wrong conclusion or misjudged someone you just met? We all do it, with just about everyone we come across. We make snap judgements about people based on the very little information we know about them. And mostly, we do it […]

This course is suitable for Councillors, Clerks and other Officers who may be new to the role or would like information on what the precept is and how it works for the Council. In this course you will learn What a precept is and how a Parish Council receives it […]

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 […]

For 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 £25,000 that need […]

Details 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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

Who 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 […]