Training & Events

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 […]

For clerks, finance staff and councillors of councils that lease or hire out land and buildings such as village halls, community centres, meeting rooms, sports facilities or markets, who need to understand when their council is at risk of not being able to reclaim VAT. Essential for any council contemplating […]

For clerks, finance staff and councillors from councils that are not VAT registered, but reclaim VAT on Form VAT126. This session explains how VAT affects local councils. Essential for any council contemplating major building projects. Topics include: • how VAT law applies to local councils • where to find the […]

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 […]

The learning content, live workshop, and toolkits will enable participants to deal with various role-focused challenging situations and explore how we can work with others more effectively. We will consider different leadership styles and approaches in the context of your role, exploring which styles we personally ‘default’ to and which […]

This a practical workshop to help you thrive in your council role. We provide council officers and councillors with an understanding of where our behaviour comes from, we consider what resilience means in the context of our council roles and how to build emotional intelligence. We’ll explore council-focused scenarios and […]

The learning content, live workshop, and toolkits will enable participants to explore different methods and strategies for dealing with negative attacks on social media and ways in which they can keep control of our social media output. We will consider how we come across on social media as councils, as […]

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 […]

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. […]

Local newspapers, magazines, regional TV, and radio offer local councils a way to communicate with residents. However, dealing with journalists and the media can be intimidating. In this session we will consider how to establish positive relationships with journalists. How to write impactful press releases. Ensure that your council gets regular and […]

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 […]

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 […]

Councils often use different social media platforms to connect with the community. This session explores a wide range of social media platforms. There will be a focus on how to get the most from key social media platforms. Exploring the ways of ensuring that social media supports your council to […]

Social media is a great tool for councils to use to improve their communication. In this session you will learn the basics and how to get started right. We will focus on creating a social media strategy and the basics of Facebook. Our goal is to share with you time-saving […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 session is all about the practical application of accessibility, and will provide you with an understanding of the application of accessibility from the perspective of a local council. We will teach you how to create accessible documents, content and multimedia for use for use throughout the work of your […]

The steps your parish or town council can take to embrace and strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion. This session will focus on understanding protected characteristics, the difference between direct and indirect discrimination and the definitions of equality, diversity and inclusion – and how the relate to the internal and external […]

Effective internal communication is the cornerstone of good council operations, yet ensuring the sustainability of good internal communication can be a challenge. This session explores strategies to identify gaps and challenges and ways to build more positive and outcome-focused communications between Members and Officers.

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? Carina Helmn – County Officer, HAPTC Carina has worked within the sector since 1993 and as Clerk to Kimpton Parish Council was awarded AON/NALC […]

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 sue@haptc.org.uk Who should attend? This course is designed for Clerks and […]