Events Calendar

New Clerk Foundations Part 2: Meetings, Minutes and the Annual Governance Cycle (3)

The Proper Officer – New Clerk Foundations

Part 2: Meetings, Minutes and the Annual Governance Cycle

Course summary

Part 2 builds on the foundations introduced in Part 1 by taking new Clerks through the practical meeting and governance cycle of a local council year. The session looks in more detail at the Clerk’s role before, during and after meetings, including working with Chairs and councillors, preparing agendas and motions, supporting lawful decision-making, recording resolutions, producing minutes, and managing approval, correction, retention and publication.

The course also introduces key annual governance responsibilities, including the AGAR, Exercise of Public Rights, publication requirements, and the statutory and good-practice documents that help councils demonstrate transparency, accountability and effective governance.

This session is designed to help new Clerks understand how the core governance principles from Part 1 are applied in practice through the council’s meetings, records and annual governance cycle.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed primarily at:

• newly appointed Clerks and Deputy Clerks
• Assistant Clerks or administrative staff supporting council meetings
• Clerks who are new to the parish and town council sector
• existing Clerks who would like a refresher on meeting administration, minutes and core governance documents

It is suitable for those who have attended Part 1 or who already have a basic understanding of how parish and town councils operate.

Chairmanship Skills Part 1: Leading Councils from Agenda to Decision

Course description

The role of Chairman carries important statutory responsibilities and requires a careful balance of leadership, neutrality, procedural knowledge and people skills. This practical course supports both new and experienced Chairs and Vice-Chairs in leading effective, lawful and well-managed council meetings.

At the heart of the session is the concept of One Fluid Motion – a simple but powerful framework that helps Chairs guide council business smoothly from proposal and seconding through discussion, amendment, voting and recording. Participants will explore how effective chairing is not about controlling debate, but about creating the conditions for clear, inclusive and well-structured decision-making.

This course is ideal for newly appointed or aspiring Chairs and Vice-Chairs, who want a deeper understanding of effective meeting management, and more experienced Chairs looking to deepen their insight, strengthen their confidence and develop practical tools for leading calm, inclusive, efficient and effective meetings.