Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

The aim of this 2-part webinar is to help you gain a wider understanding of trusts, along with guidance for the trusteeship of charities.

Please note that these webinars will each last up to 1.5 hours (dependent on the level of interaction within the sessions and the number of questions raised).

Session One (Tuesday 11th June) will cover:

• The nature of trusts
• How a charitable trust is created
• Registration with the Charity Commission or HM Revenue and Customs
• Charitable Incorporated Organisation
• Requirements for a charitable trust
• Role of the Charity Commission
• Legal personality of a charitable trust

Session Two (Tuesday 18th June) will cover:

• Trustees generally
• Duties of management and liabilities
• Trading
• Dealings with property
• Winding up or amalgamating a charity
• Village halls and recreation grounds
• Role and responsibilities of custodian, holding and management trustees

PAYMENT FOR BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE TAKEN ON BOOKING OF SESSION 1.    ALCA WILL BOOK YOU AUTOMATICALLY ON TO SESSION 2 AND YOU WILL RECEIVE SEPARATE CONFIRMATION AND JOINING INSTRUCTIONS ACCORDINGLY.

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

This free webinar is aimed at local councils that are considering engaging with the Foundation Award level of the Local Councils Award Scheme.  The session will provide an overview of the following:

• Overview of the Local Councils Award Scheme
• Application of the Local Councils Award Scheme framework to effective governance
• Assessment Framework for the Foundation Award
• How to prepare for submission and accreditation

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

This course, delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, will cover many aspects of the management of burial grounds, including:

 - Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977 (LACO) 

 - Registers and records

 - Granting and extending exclusive rights of burial

 - Consent

 - Avoiding disputes

 - Burials; depth, shallow graves

 - Administration processes

 - Grave digging – procedures, preparations, backfilling

 - Memorials 

The second event in the ALCA Webinar Series focuses on the legislation and practical considerations around recording public meetings, as well as how to manage the right of members of the public to make their own audio and visual recordings of council meetings.

Signposts to documents and templates will be provided and further support will be available following the event.

A more comprehensive training session for Councillors who have become the Chair or Vice Chair of the Council or Committee for the first time, as well as seasoned Chairs who are looking to develop their skills further. Topics include:

• Standing Orders
• Preparing for meetings
• Running meetings effectively
• Time management
• Managing conflict
• Civility & Respect
• Public participation
• Taking actions forward with the Clerk and Officers

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

 --BOOKING ON THIS SESSION WILL AUTOMATICALLY BOOK YOU ONTO SESSION 2---  THE TOTAL COST OF BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE INVOICED ON BOOKING OF SESSION 1--

The aim of this 2-part webinar is to help you gain a wider understanding of trusts, along with guidance for the trusteeship of charities.

Please note that these webinars will each last up to 1.5 hours (dependent on the level of interaction within the sessions and the number of questions raised).

Session One (Tuesday 4th March) will cover:

• The nature of trusts
• How a charitable trust is created
• Registration with the Charity Commission or HM Revenue and Customs
• Charitable Incorporated Organisation
• Requirements for a charitable trust
• Role of the Charity Commission
• Legal personality of a charitable trust

Session Two (Tuesday 21st January) will cover:

• Trustees generally
• Duties of management and liabilities
• Trading
• Dealings with property
• Winding up or amalgamating a charity
• Village halls and recreation grounds
• Role and responsibilities of custodian, holding and management trustees

PAYMENT FOR BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE TAKEN ON BOOKING OF SESSION 1.    ALCA WILL BOOK YOU AUTOMATICALLY ON TO SESSION 2 AND YOU WILL RECEIVE SEPARATE CONFIRMATION AND JOINING INSTRUCTIONS ACCORDINGLY.

The aim of this 2-part webinar is to help you gain a wider understanding of trusts, along with guidance for the trusteeship of charities.

Please note that these webinars will each last up to 1.5 hours (dependent on the level of interaction within the sessions and the number of questions raised).

Session Two (Tuesday 21st January) will cover:

• Trustees generally
• Duties of management and liabilities
• Trading
• Dealings with property
• Winding up or amalgamating a charity
• Village halls and recreation grounds
• Role and responsibilities of custodian, holding and management trustees

PAYMENT FOR BOTH SESSIONS WILL BE TAKEN ON BOOKING OF SESSION 1.    ALCA WILL BOOK YOU AUTOMATICALLY ON TO SESSION TWO AND YOU WILL RECEIVE SEPARATE CONFIRMATION AND JOINING INSTRUCTIONS ACCORDINGLY.

The training sessions, aimed at Clerks and Councillors, will explain reforms to National Planning Policy Framework as published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (12 Dec 2024) and the wide-reaching consequences these will potentially have for every council and community. The session will:

• Explain the role of the NPPF in the planning process and how this matters to the work of ALCA members
• Outline the main changes that affect local plans and housing targets
• Address Green Belt, Grey Belt and Brownfield considerations with examples
• Explain consequences for Neighbourhood Development Plans
• Provide access to recommended resources, further guidance, and commentary

The training sessions, aimed at Clerks and Councillors, will explain reforms to National Planning Policy Framework as published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (12 Dec 2024) and the wide-reaching consequences these will potentially have for every council and community. The session will:

• Explain the role of the NPPF in the planning process and how this matters to the work of ALCA members
• Outline the main changes that affect local plans and housing targets
• Address Green Belt, Grey Belt and Brownfield considerations with examples
• Explain consequences for Neighbourhood Development Plans
• Provide access to recommended resources, further guidance, and commentary

This is the first of a 2-part course aimed at helping Clerks and Councillors elected to Staffing Committees to develop knowledge, confidence and skills in matters of Employment Law and managing staff.

MODULE 1: Employment Law and HR Essentials  (Wednesday 11th June)

• The Employment Framework
• Contract and Policies
• Induction and Probation
• The role of the HR Committee in people matters

Please note that you will automatically be enrolled onto Session 2, which will take place on Wednesday 18th June (18:15 - 20:30), but payment for the whole course will be requested on booking of MODULE 1.

MODULE 2: Managing Common Staff Issues  (Wednesday 18th June)

• Sickness and Absence
• Supporting staff members
• Managing Disciplinaries
• Avoiding Grievances

Operating an Effective Staffing Committee

*DO NOT BOOK* Cost of training included in booking of MODULE 1. Registration will be carried over to MODULE 2 AUTOMATICALLY.

This is the first of a 2-part course aimed at developing the knowledge, confidence and skills of Clerks and Councillors elected to Staffing Committees of local councils.

MODULE 2: Managing Common Staff Issues (Wednesday 18th June 2025, 18:15-20:30)

• Sickness and Absence
• Supporting staff members
• Managing Disciplinaries
• Avoiding Grievances

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

A more comprehensive training session for Councillors who have become the Chair or Vice Chair of the Council or Committee for the first time, as well as seasoned Chairs who are looking to develop their skills further. Topics include:

• Standing Orders
• Preparing for meetings
• Running meetings effectively
• Time management
• Managing conflict
• Civility & Respect
• Public participation
• Taking actions forward with the Clerk and Officers

This bespoke training course, designed and delivered in collaboration with WorkNest, deals with aspects of Harassment in the workplace, particularly in light of the changing legislative requirements being placed on employers, including local councils.

This course is recommended for all staff (Clerks, Deputy Clerks and other Council Officers) and can be used to demonstrate an engagement with the requirements of the legislation:

Course overview

For staff

•                     The wider equality, diversity and inclusion landscape

•                     The different types of harassment and protection from discrimination under UK law

•                     The difference between bullying, harassment and banter

•                     Examples of what amounts to sexual harassment

•                     Roles and responsibilities in promoting a safe work environment

•                     Raising concerns when witnessing or experiencing harassment

This bespoke training course, designed and delivered in collaboration with WorkNest, deals with aspects of Harassment in the workplace, particularly in light of the changing legislative requirements being placed on employers, including local councils.

This course is recommended for all staff (Clerks, Deputy Clerks and other Council Officers) and can be used to demonstrate an engagement with the requirements of the legislation:

Course overview

For staff

•                     The wider equality, diversity and inclusion landscape

•                     The different types of harassment and protection from discrimination under UK law

•                     The difference between bullying, harassment and banter

•                     Examples of what amounts to sexual harassment

•                     Roles and responsibilities in promoting a safe work environment

•                     Raising concerns when witnessing or experiencing harassment

The training sessions, aimed at Clerks and Councillors, will explain reforms to National Planning Policy Framework as published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (12 Dec 2024) and the wide-reaching consequences these will potentially have for every council and community. The session will:

• Explain the role of the NPPF in the planning process and how this matters to the work of ALCA members
• Outline the main changes that affect local plans and housing targets
• Address Green Belt, Grey Belt and Brownfield considerations with examples
• Explain consequences for Neighbourhood Development Plans
• Provide access to recommended resources, further guidance, and commentary

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

A more comprehensive training session for Councillors who have become the Chair or Vice Chair of the Council or Committee for the first time, as well as seasoned Chairs who are looking to develop their skills further. Topics include:

• Standing Orders
• Preparing for meetings
• Running meetings effectively
• Time management
• Managing conflict
• Civility & Respect
• Public participation
• Taking actions forward with the Clerk and Officers

A more comprehensive training session for Councillors who have become the Chair or Vice Chair of the Council or Committee for the first time, as well as seasoned Chairs who are looking to develop their skills further. Topics include:

• Standing Orders
• Preparing for meetings
• Running meetings effectively
• Time management
• Managing conflict
• Civility & Respect
• Public participation
• Taking actions forward with the Clerk and Officers

The course explores what Assertion 10 actually requires, how councils evidence compliance, and how councillors can confidently scrutinise arrangements such as IT systems, data storage, passwords, councillor email addresses, device use, retention practices and third-party risks. It also clarifies how governance failures emerge and what proactive steps councillors can take to prevent them—particularly in smaller councils with limited infrastructure.

This session provides staff teams with a clear and practical understanding of sexual harassment, its impact, and the behaviours that contribute to unsafe or hostile working environments. Using real data, case law and everyday scenarios, the course explores what constitutes sexual harassment under the Equality Act, how it differs from bullying, and how wider EDI principles support respectful conduct.

The training outlines why incidents often go unreported, the obligations placed on organisations under current legislation (including the duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment), and the responsibilities employees hold in their own conduct. It also covers options for challenging or reporting concerns, the risks associated with third-party harassment, and the consequences for those who engage in inappropriate behaviour.

This bespoke training course, designed and delivered in collaboration with WorkNest, deals with aspects of Harassment in the workplace, particularly in light of the changing legislative requirements being placed on employers, including local councils.

This course is recommended for Managers as well as Councillors elected to the Staffing / Personnel Committees of their Parish or Town Councils and can be used to demonstrate an engagement with the requirements of the legislation:

Course overview

For Councillors:

•                     The wider equality, diversity and inclusion landscape

•                     The different types of harassment and protection from discrimination under UK law

•                     The difference between bullying, harassment and banter

•                     Examples of what amounts to sexual harassment

•                     Roles and responsibilities in promoting a safe work environment

•                     Raising concerns when witnessing or experiencing harassment

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.

The session focuses on the Chair’s role before, during and after meetings, helping participants build confidence in preparing agendas with the Clerk, guiding debate, applying Standing Orders correctly and maintaining order — even when discussions become challenging or contentious. Through real-world scenarios and clear, practical techniques, Chairs will learn how to keep meetings focused, fair and productive while ensuring decisions are legally robust.

This course is ideal for newly appointed or aspiring Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Clerks who want a shared understanding of how to run meetings that are calm, inclusive and effective.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the statutory role and legal responsibilities of the Chairman

• Prepare effectively for meetings, including agenda management, quorum and public participation

• Chair meetings confidently, guiding debate and moving discussions toward clear outcomes

• Apply Standing Orders correctly, including motions, amendments and voting

• Manage public participation and disorderly conduct calmly and proportionately

• Maintain neutrality and fairness while leading difficult or sensitive discussions

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.

The session focuses on the Chair’s role before, during and after meetings, helping participants build confidence in preparing agendas with the Clerk, guiding debate, applying Standing Orders correctly and maintaining order — even when discussions become challenging or contentious. Through real-world scenarios and clear, practical techniques, Chairs will learn how to keep meetings focused, fair and productive while ensuring decisions are legally robust.

This course is ideal for newly appointed or aspiring Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Clerks who want a shared understanding of how to run meetings that are calm, inclusive and effective.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the statutory role and legal responsibilities of the Chairman

• Prepare effectively for meetings, including agenda management, quorum and public participation

• Chair meetings confidently, guiding debate and moving discussions toward clear outcomes

• Apply Standing Orders correctly, including motions, amendments and voting

• Manage public participation and disorderly conduct calmly and proportionately

• Maintain neutrality and fairness while leading difficult or sensitive discussions

Local (parish and town) councils play an important role in commenting on the planning applications that affect their area. The Government wants to see planning decisions taken at the lowest level possible and so once the local planning authority has received a planning application it will publicise the proposal and notify the Local Council so that they have a chance to express their views.

How can Local Council make sure that their comments on planning applications are as effective as possible and taken into account by the local planning authority? This course will give you lots of advice, hints and tips to assist you as a councillor with this important task.

Course Description

This focused morning session is designed specifically for Clerks who need a clear, practical understanding of Assertion 10, without committing to a full-day course.

Bringing together the core content of Assertion 10 Parts 1 and 2, the session concentrates on what must exist, what must be evidenced, and where the risk sits from a Clerk’s perspective. It is particularly suited to part-time Clerks, Clerks with other professional roles, and those seeking reassurance that their council’s arrangements are proportionate, defensible, and audit-ready.

The emphasis is on operational compliance, information governance, and professional boundaries, with clear signposting on when matters should be escalated or supported by councillor-focused training delivered separately.

This is not about adding workload — it is about clarity, confidence, and protection.

This focused 75-minute webinar provides councillors with a clear understanding of their responsibilities under Assertion 10 and how good governance, transparency and data-handling practices underpin compliant council operations. Building on key principles from Part 1, the session offers a concise but practical overview of the risks councils face, the controls required to address them, and the specific role councillors play in ensuring that systems, policies and behaviours meet modern standards.

The course explores what Assertion 10 actually requires, how councils evidence compliance, and how councillors can confidently scrutinise arrangements such as IT systems, data storage, passwords, councillor email addresses, device use, retention practices and third-party risks. It also clarifies how governance failures emerge and what proactive steps councillors can take to prevent them—particularly in smaller councils with limited infrastructure.

Course focus includes:

• The purpose of Assertion 10 and why councillors have oversight responsibilities

• Key risks: data breaches, insecure systems, unregulated devices, and non-compliant email practices

• What “appropriate controls” look like for councils of all sizes

• Understanding the Data Asset Register, retention schedules and evidence requirements

• Councillor duties: secure communication, confidentiality, device hygiene and information handling

• Identifying gaps and asking the right questions to support your Clerk and strengthen compliance

Designed for councillors seeking a practical and accessible introduction to their role in digital governance, this session supports improved risk management, clearer accountability and stronger Assertion 10 outcomes.

This session provides staff teams with a clear and practical understanding of sexual harassment, its impact, and the behaviours that contribute to unsafe or hostile working environments. Using real data, case law and everyday scenarios, the course explores what constitutes sexual harassment under the Equality Act, how it differs from bullying, and how wider EDI principles support respectful conduct.

The training outlines why incidents often go unreported, the obligations placed on organisations under current legislation (including the duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment), and the responsibilities employees hold in their own conduct. It also covers options for challenging or reporting concerns, the risks associated with third-party harassment, and the consequences for those who engage in inappropriate behaviour.

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.

The session focuses on the Chair’s role before, during and after meetings, helping participants build confidence in preparing agendas with the Clerk, guiding debate, applying Standing Orders correctly and maintaining order — even when discussions become challenging or contentious.

At the heart of the course is a simple, structured approach to chairing meetings — referred to as One Fluid Motion — which supports Chairs in guiding items clearly from proposal through discussion to decision. Through real-world scenarios and practical techniques, participants will learn how to keep meetings focused, fair and productive while ensuring decisions are legally robust.

This course is ideal for newly appointed or aspiring Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Clerks who want a shared understanding of how to run meetings that are calm, inclusive and effective.