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 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 […]

Click 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 […]

Click 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 […]

Click 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 […]

Click 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 […]

click 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 […]

Click 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 […]

Click 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, […]

Dates TBC 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 […]

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.

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. […]