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Training & Events

Courses

E-Learning Courses are available at any time and undertaken independently at your convenience. To sign-up please email sue@haptc.org.uk. Once processed you will receive joining instructions and your council will be issued with an invoice. Registration on this course will last 12 months.

Most are ÂŁ17/person/session and are available to members only.

Finance Webinars from Steve Parkinson

ÂŁ30; 1.5 hours

Session leader: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk & an accountant with 30 years’ experience in public sector finance, who specialises in advice & training for the local council sector.

Sessions are interactive. You will need a device with a reasonable screen size such as a PC, laptop or tablet to be able to participate fully. Your booking confirmation will contain a link to the online event. Please ensure that you log in at least 10 minutes before the session starts, make sure that your screen name includes your first and last names.

Basic Finance for New Clerks Under a Year

This introductory session is FREE 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 with a basic understanding of the RFO’s role. If you have 9 month’s experience or more, this session is unlikely […]

Budgeting for Clerks and Finance Staff

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 […]

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. Topics include: • Roles and responsibilities • setting a budget and precept • Financial control • The Annual Governance & Accountability Return • Internal and external […]

Internal Controls

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 of internal controls • Case studies • Examples of controls • Review of internal controls […]

Procurement Act 2023

For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils. Please note that on 12 September the Government decided to postpone implementation of this Act by 4 months, giving authorities more time to prepare for the changes and allowing the Government […]

Role of the 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) This session explains the role of the internal auditor in providing assurance to the council […]

Civility & Respect Webinars

Council Communications and Community Engagement webinars

Social Media and Digital Communications Webinars

Interpersonal Skills Webinars

Data Protection and FOI Webinars

Webinars available for the Council as a whole; these cannot be attended by individuals independently

The following is a list of the basic core courses that HAPTC puts on at various times.

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.

Bespoke Sessions Tailored for you Council

These are tailored to meet the needs of your council and are delivered to your councillors together:

Member Councils ÂŁ250 for half-day, ÂŁ450 full-day

Non-Member Councils and External organisations ÂŁ625 half-day, ÂŁ1,125 full-day

Topics include, but please ask if you have any other requirements:

  • Business Planning
  • Councillor Training
  • General Power Of Competence Training
  • Staffing and Recruitment
  • Neighbourhood Planning

Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)

The Certification in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) can be taken by anyone, but is primarily aimed at parish and town council clerks. For details of sessions currently available, see the HAPTC electronic bulletin or contact the office

What are the benefits of the CiLCA?

  • It is a professional qualification for the Parish and Town Council sector
  • Once achieved, it does not have to be re-taken or reviewed
  • It is the most significant, readily accessible and nationally recognised qualification aimed at the local council level officers
  • It is increasingly expected by councils as they recognise that a CiLCA qualified clerk is more likely to have the knowledge and competency required to give them the support the council deserves
  • It develops knowledge, administrative skills, precision of thinking and presentation skills which help a clerk to perform confidently and competently across a range of council tasks
  • It is a significant level 3 qualification (described as like an A level) which helps current council employers and creates employment opportunities
  • A CilCA qualified clerk contributes to the council’s eligibility for the General Power of Competence
  • Having a CiLCA qualified clerk helps a council to achieve the Quality or Quality Gold levels of the Local Council Award Scheme.

CiLCA detailed information

Introduction to Local Council Administration

SLCC Courses for Clerks

For further details, please contact the SLCC Hertfordshire Branch Secretary or see the national website:

SLCC Professional Development

HAPTC carefully selects speakers at its events in the belief that they will present accurate, reliable and appropriate information and views. Unless specifically stated, HAPTC does not necessarily endorse, approve, guarantee or certify the accuracy, reliability, appropriateness or other aspect of the information and views of speakers. Any opinions provided by the speaker do not necessarily represent the views of HAPTC or its members. Reference to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trade mark or otherwise does not imply or constitute an endorsement, recommendation or other support from HAPTC or its members.