Aberystwyth Town Council Training Plan 2022 – 24
COUNCILLORS
Member
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Training needs |
Training undertaken 2021- 2022 |
Training to be taken 2022-2023 |
Mark Strong Town & County
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Alun Williams Town & County
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Steve Davies Town & County
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Carl Worrall Town & County
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Maldwyn Pryse |
Understanding the role of councillor
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OVW Module 2: The Councillor |
Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the Law |
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Financial governance and accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance
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Financial capability |
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OVW Module 21: Local Government Finance Advanced
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Dr Jeff Smith |
Planning |
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Understanding Equality and Diversity law
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OVW Module 14: Understanding equality and diversity law |
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Sustainable Development |
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OVW Module 20: Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 / Sustainability
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Lucy Huws |
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Talat Chaudhri |
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Mari Turner |
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Owain Hughes |
Arwain Lleol Local leadership
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OVW Module 1: The Council
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Gweithio gyda staff a’r clerc Working with the Clerk and other employees
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OVW Module 3: The Council as an Employer
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Financial governance and accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance
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Financial capability |
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OVW Module 21: Local Government Finance Advanced
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Emlyn Jones |
Understanding the role of councillor
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OVW Module 2: The Councillor |
Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the Law |
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Understanding Equality and Diversity law
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OVW Module 14: Equality and Diversity |
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Data protection |
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OVW Module15: Information management
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Working with the Clerk and other employees
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OVW Module 3: The Council as an Employer
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Health and Safety |
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OVW Module 7: Health and Safety
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Chairing skills |
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OVW Module10: Chairing skills
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Sienna Lewis |
Understanding the role of councillor
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OVW Module 9: Code of Conduct 22.6.2022 |
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Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the Law |
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Understanding the planning system
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Planning Aid Wales |
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Financial governance and accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance
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Working with the Clerk and other employees
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OVW Module 3: The Council as an Employer
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Community engagement
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OVW Module 8: Introduction to Community Engagement
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Local leadership |
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OVW Module 1: The Council
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Mair Benjamin
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Brian Davies
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Kerry Ferguson |
Working with the Clerk and other employees
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OVW Module 3: The council as an employer 7.2021 |
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Chairing
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OVW Module 10: Chairing skills 3.2021 |
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Civic leadership
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OVW Module 5: The Council meeting 3.2021 |
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Code of Conduct
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OVW Module 9: 4.2021 |
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Understanding the role of councillor
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OVW Module 2: The Councillor |
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Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the Law |
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Understanding the Planning System
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Planning Aid Wales |
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Understanding Equality and Diversity law
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OVW Module 14: Equality and Diversity |
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Financial Governance and Accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance |
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Data protection |
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OVW Module15: Information management
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Using ICT and social media |
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OVW Module 16: Use of IT, Websites and Social Media
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Health and Safety |
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OVW Module 7: Health and Safety
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Financial capability |
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OVW Module 21: Local Government Finance Advanced
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Sustainable development |
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OVW Module 20: Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 / Sustainability
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Mathew Norman |
Financial Governance and Accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance |
Making effective grant applications |
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OVW Module17: Making effective grant applications
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Devolution of services |
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OVW Module 19 - Devolution of Services / Community Asset Transfer
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Understanding Local Government Finance |
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OVW Module 21: Local Government Finance Advanced
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Dylan Lewis-Rowlands
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Introduction |
New Councillor Induction 13.7.2022
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The Councillor |
OVW Module 2 - The Councillor 14.7.2022
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Code of Conduct |
OVW Modiwl 9 - Cod Ymddygiad 27.7.2022
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The Council meeting |
OVW Modiwl 5 - Cyfarfod y Cyngor 27.7.2022
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Local leadership and the Council’s role
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OVW Module 1 - The Council
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Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4 - Understanding the Law
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Community engagement |
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OVW Module 8 - Introduction to Community Engagement
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Understanding Equality and Diversity law
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OVW Module 14 - Equality & Diversity
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Community asset transfer |
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OVW Module 19 - Devolution of Services
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Sustainable development |
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OVW Module 20 - Wellbeing of Future Generations
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Bryony Davies |
Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the law 24.11.22
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Local leadership and the Council’s role
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OVW Module 1: The Council - 01.12.22
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Connor Edwards |
Understanding the role of councillor
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OVW Module 2: The Councillor |
Understanding the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community
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OVW Module 4: Understanding the law |
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Understanding the planning system
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Planning Aid Wales |
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Conduct |
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OVW Module 9: Code of conduct
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Equality and Diversity |
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OVW Module 14: Equality and Diversity
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Financial Governance and Accountability
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OVW Module 6: Local Government Finance |
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Attendance at and preparation for meetings and other organised events
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OVW Module 5: The Council Meeting |
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Information Management |
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OVW Module15: Information management
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Using ICT and social media |
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OVW Module 16: Use of IT, Websites and Social Media
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Working with the Clerk and other employees
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OVW Module 3: The Council as an Employer
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Health and safety |
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OVW Module 7: Health and Safety
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Financial Capability |
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OVW Module 21: Local Government Finance Advanced
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Sustainable Development |
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OVW Module 20: Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 / Sustainability
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Chairing |
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OVW Module10: Chairing skills
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Appendix 1
SCHEDULE OF COMPETENCIES - COUNCILLORS
Requirement |
Knowledge and Skills |
Effective Behaviours |
Understanding the Role of the Councillor |
The extent and limits of a councillor’s individual responsibilities and the powers and responsibilities of the Council as a corporate body in law. |
Undertakes the role effectively in the council, the community and with partners. Understands the difference between the role of an individual member and the Council as a whole and ensures that this understanding is reflected in their work. |
Understanding of the legal basis upon which the Council delivers services to the community |
Understanding of the services delivered and the associated governing law, policies, procedures, plans and strategies that are in place to guide the work of the Council. |
Is able to describe the work of the Council to the public and contributes to the development of the Council’s work. |
Understanding the planning system |
Understanding of planning law, the development control process and the importance of the local development plan. It would also be helpful for councillors to understand the importance of place or community plans in this context. |
Is able to assess planning applications in relation to material considerations, the relevance of technical advisory notes, the link with the local development plan and have an understanding of Section 106 and community infrastructure levy contributions from developers. |
Conduct |
Understanding of the ethical framework governing the work of councillors, specifically the code of conduct. Appreciation of the importance of accountability, integrity and transparency and openness. |
Abides by the code of conduct at all times, always declares interests when appropriate, seeks advice from the Proper Officer when needed, treats others with respect at all times, demonstrates integrity, values others and never bullies any other councillor or employee, listens and stays calm in difficult situations. |
Equality and Diversity |
Personal skills in demonstrating respect for others regardless of sex, race, religion, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity or sexual orientation. Understanding Equalities and Diversity law relating to the work of the Council and the role of the Councillor. Understanding of the need for and what constitutes respectful behaviour towards others. |
Demonstrates equalities values in personal behaviour and council decisions. Applies appropriate equalities legislation and demonstrates equalities values in personal behaviour and council decisions. Treats everyone with respect at all times when acting as a councillor whether in the Council, community or political group.
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Financial Governance and Accountability |
An understanding of the internal and external audit process. |
Engages effectively with the audit, inspection and regulatory process within the council, using this information to constructively challenge and support the financial management of the council. |
Attendance at and preparation for meetings and other organised events |
Understanding of the importance of regular attendance and engagement and the need to prepare effectively for meetings. |
Attends meetings and events on a regular basis and gives priority to such attendance. Ensures that all papers included with council agendas are read before the meeting. |
Information Management |
Understanding and interpreting information and data. Ability to handle data in the format provided by the council. Understanding of the definition of confidentiality and how to handle confidential information - Understanding of the legal requirements of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation. |
Receives information and data from a variety of sources and is able to store, share and use it effectively and where possible electronically. Does not keep records about people without seeking their agreement. Responds promptly and appropriately to FOI requests. Does not distribute or share confidential or restricted information. |
Using ICT and social media |
Seeks to develop Skills in all ‘Office’ applications such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheets and conducts council business electronically. Understands the social media policy of the council. |
Communicates with the Clerk and other members electronically and through social media where appropriate. |
Working with the Clerk and other employees |
Understanding the role of the Clerk and other employees generally and the ‘rules’ they need to abide by. Skills in acting as a corporate employer. Understanding of the appointments process and interviewing skills. |
Maintains professional relationships with employees recognising appropriate boundaries and abiding by the Member Officer Protocol (if adopted). Acts as an effective member of an appointment panel, applying sound HR and equality and diversity principles to secure the best candidate. |
Health and Safety |
Understanding of Health and Safety legislation in the work of the Council. Understand how to assess risks and ensure personal safety and that of others. |
Promotes and ensures the health and safety of everyone in the council. Ensures personal safety when working in the Council and when in groups or alone in the community. |
Continuing professional and personal development
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Ability to identify personal development needs and to participate in development activities.
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Undertakes regular personal development reviews taking account of role descriptions and competency frameworks. Takes responsibility for developing personal skills and knowledge, attends learning and development activities seeking tangible outcomes. |
Financial Capability |
Understanding of the way councils and services are funded. Understanding and skills in budget setting. Personal financial capability. |
Engages effectively in the budget setting process. Is prepared to take hard, evidence-based decisions. Demonstrates skills in numeracy when interpreting data and asking questions. |
Sustainable Development
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Understanding of issues that impact on future generations such as health and wellbeing, financial security and the environment. |
Takes decisions based upon the needs of future generations as well as the current population.
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Local Leadership |
Knowledge of community groups and leaders. Understanding of community issues and concerns. Ability to seek the views of all relevant parties. Understands the role and functions of the principal council.
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Understands the needs of the local community and secures action from the council on behalf of local people. Communicates with the community, individuals and the council to ensure engagement and understanding of all parties. |
Chairing |
Understanding of meeting protocols and the rules of debate. Ability to manage the agenda, contributions and time. Chairs clearly and authoritatively, enforcing the rules and encouraging fair participation. Manages the agenda by introducing items, summarising debate, focussing on outcomes and limiting contributions which do not contribute to the outcomes. |
Ensures that the public feel welcome, understand the meeting purpose and how they can contribute. Commitment to enabling all committee members to develop skills and participate effectively in meetings. Builds relationships with the Clerk to ensure that the work of the council/committee is relevant, well informed and provides the outcomes needed. Work programme development and management Understanding of the subjects within the scope of a committee and how these interact with council policies generally and the roles of other committees. Ability to develop a balanced work programme for the committee and clear terms of reference and outcomes for any subgroups. Works with the Clerk and committee members to develop the work plan taking account of the work of other committees. Ensures that the work programme takes account of national, regional and local plans, policies and the expressed needs of the community for services. Makes sure that the committee also takes account of inspections or reports from audit, inspection and regulation bodies. |
Civic Leadership |
In depth understanding of standing orders and rules of engagement. Effectively chairs meetings of the Full Council demonstrating meeting management and leadership skills. Representing the Council at civic functions Ability to manage the Council’s reputation. Skills in public speaking. Skills in relationship management. |
Demonstrates high level communication, interpersonal and social skills.
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STAFF
Clerk: Gweneira Raw-Rees
Competencies |
Training needs |
Training undertaken |
Training to be undertaken 2022-23
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Understands the roles, responsibilities and duties of the council and of the individuals involved in the work of the council
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Is able to carry out research so that the council is well-informed for making decisions
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Can manage the implementing of decisions for which the council is responsible
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Can organise and maintain effective administrative systems, processes, policies and records
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Can employ a variety of written and oral communication skills including the use of information and communications technology
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Can advise the council on its duties and powers
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Can ensure that all statutory requirements are observed including employment law, Health and Safety, Freedom of information, Data Protection and Equality
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OVW Module 7: Health and Safety OVW Module15: Information management
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Is able to establish appropriate and lawful procedures for managing the meetings of the council and its committees
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Can advise the council on statutory requirements and other procedures for maintaining public confidence in the council
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Can advise the council on financial planning and reporting including the preparation and review of budgets, the management of risks to public money and funding applications
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Continuous training support provided by contracted accountants |
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Is able to ensure compliance with proper financial practices including accounts, financial regulations, audit processes, VAT and procurement
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Continuous training support provided by contracted accountants |
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Can support the council in the planning, management, funding and review of projects, services , assets and facilities
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Can manage the employment, performance and development of council staff
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Can manage effective relationships with contractors and service users
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Can advise the council on its performance as a corporate body ensuring councillors have opportunities for training and development
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Can advise and support the council as it identifies and implements plans for the future of the community it represents
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Can manage and administer the council’s participation in the planning system according to current planning law, policies and procedures
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Can demonstrate an awareness of all aspects of the community served by the council, recognising and respecting different interests and enabling cohesion
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Can help provide all members of the community with opportunities for influencing decisions that affect their lives
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Can help provide all members of the community with opportunities for influencing decisions that affect their lives
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Can facilitate the council’s engagement with the community, managing public relations and ensuring that the council is transparent in all its actions
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OVW Module 16: Use of IT, websites and social media |
Can manage effective partnership working
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Can advise and support the council as it facilitates community activity
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Events and Partnerships Officer: Wendy Hughes
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Training needs |
Training undertaken |
Training to be undertaken |
Information Management and Information Technology
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To follow the Town Council’s policies and procedures relating to communications, data protection and accessibility - in accordance with current legislation.
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OVW Module 15: Information management 8.12.2022 |
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To ensure that all files and records are maintained in an effective manner and comply with the Town Council’s policy on retention of documents.
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To ensure that effective and efficient arrangements are in place to deal with the security of information and data.
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Facilities Management
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To manage bookings for premises under the control of the Council.
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Communications
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To be a point of contact for the Town Council
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OVW Module 8: Introduction to Community Engagement |
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To contribute to the Town Council’s website and content as appropriate
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To update information on the website in accordance with local government legislation as appropriate
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OVW Module 16: Use of IT, Social media and websites |
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To ensure entries to the website conform to accessibility and data protection legislation
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To prepare press releases and other publicity documentation as instructed by Council.
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To be responsible for event marketing campaigns and develop innovative ways of communicating key messages to stakeholders.
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To be responsible for ensuring that all forms of communication and promotion are accessible eg familiarity with RNIB guidelines for accessible print.
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Events
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To be responsible for developing and managing a programme of cultural and historic events for Aberystwyth
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To be responsible for the implementation of the Council’s annual civic event programme which includes: Mayoral Inauguration Ceremony, Sunday Service and Parade; Seniors Christmas Dinner, Christmas lights and Remembrance Sunday.
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To manage appointments and invitations for the Mayor / Deputy Mayor
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Organise Town Twinning events as identified by the Town Council
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Organise community engagement initiatives as identified by the Town Council
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Ensure that Town Council events are delivered within budget and agreed timescales.
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Governance and Administration
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To contribute to the day to day running of the Town Council office in the absence of the Town Clerk/RFO. |
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OVW Module 9: Code of Conduct 15.11.2022
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OVW Module 1: The Council 1.12.2022
OVW Module 4: Understanding the Law
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To assist the Town Clerk/RFO as necessary in the administration of Council meetings
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OVW Module 5: The Council meeting |
Health and Safety
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To assist in ensuring that the Town Council’s statutory health and safety obligations are met and that the health and safety policy and supporting processes and procedures are reviewed as appropriate
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OVW Module 7: Health and Safety |
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To prepare risk assessments in relation to events.
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To take care of your own health and safety
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Equality and Diversity
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To support the Town Council in ensuring that the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 are reflected in all aspects of its work.
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OVW Module 14: Equality and Diversity |
Facilities and Assets Manager: Steve Williams
Duties |
Training needs |
Training undertaken |
Training to be undertaken 2022-23
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Procurement of plant, equipment, goods and services including contract materials in accordance with Council resolutions and financial regulations.
Work closely with the Town Council RFO to ensure that all procurement is undertaken in keeping with the procurement policies and procedures and that all expenditure is within budget.
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Prepare orders for Town Council work, contractual correspondence, and certificates for financial payments.
The post holder will be required to comply with all relevant legislation and the Town Council’s contract procedure rules and financial regulations
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Ensure the on-going maintenance of Playground Equipment Facilities, plant and equipment as specified by the relevant schedules along with preparing and delivering a replacement programme.
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Ensure that systems are in place that mean all activities are undertaken giving due consideration to all Health and Safety legislation and requirements. This includes ensuring all issues relating to Personal Protective Equipment are adhered to also experience in producing Risk Assessments.
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Managing the operational duties for the town council which includes:
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Playground inspections August 2022 |
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Review on an on-going basis how the Town Council is delivering its service with a view of identifying means of continuous improvement. This will include leading on, identifying and evaluating performance management methodologies. Including:
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Review Town Council service delivery regularly to identify continuous improvement. This will include evaluating performance management methodologies. Including:
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Create a working environment that is conducive to delivering a high level of service delivery. Manage external contractors undertaking work on behalf of the service and where applicable contribute to selection of suitable employees including Induction, Allocation of duties, instruction, direction, Monitoring work, Training etc
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Investigate opportunities to secure funding for projects which support wider economic and environmental benefits
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Prepare and plan work programmes and manage and maintain all records and systems related to the delivery of the service.
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Respond to queries and questions in various formats from elected members, members of the public and other stakeholders.
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Represent the Town Council on relevant internal and external working groups, meetings etc
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Provide input and responses to various relevant consultations.
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Develop a good working relationship with Town Council partners including Local Government officers, representatives of external public and statutory bodies, planning officers, Local Councillors and Sub contractors.
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Communicate effectively with contractors, Local Members service managers, Council staff , partners and members of the public. Work in close liaison with the Town Clerk, RFO and Town Councillors to address local and related issues.
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Carrying out any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, and as requested by the Town Council.
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The post-holder will be responsible for equipment necessary to undertake their duties at a variety of locations (laptop computer and mobile phone)
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APPENDIX 4
PROGRAMMING AND ESTIMATED COST OF TRAINING
Courses Identified as Needed (Title) |
Role to which they relate |
2022/23 Est Cost and No. of Courses |
2023/24 Est Cost and No. of Courses |
2024/25 Est Cost and No. of courses |
2025/26 Est Cost and No. of courses |
2026/27 Est Cost and No. of courses |
Comments |
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Councillors |
£2065 x 59 |
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Staff |
£315 x 9 |
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Appendix 2
One Voice Wales Courses
National Training Programme for Community and Town Councils in Wales
Module 1 - The Council
- The Council as a Corporate Body
- The “Team” of Members and Staff
- The Council’s Role
- Working with Unitary Authorities
- Building Partnership Working
During the presentation we will cover the council as a corporate body, the ‘team’ of members and staff, the council’s role, working with unitary authorities, and building partnership working with a wider group of organisations. By the end of this presentation, you should have a good understanding of the range of responsibilities of community and town councils as well as their changing role in serving local communities in Wales today.
Module 2 - The Councillor
- The Councillor and their Commitment
- Register of Interests
- Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour
- Monitoring Officers and Standards Committees
- Debating and Making Decisions
- Representing Your Electorate
- Building Bridges
During the presentation we will cover the Councillor and their commitment to the office of Councillor, the Register of Members Interests, the Code of Conduct and ethical behaviour expected of a Councillor, the role of the Monitoring Officer and the Standards Committee, the rules of debating and making decisions, how you represent on your electorate, and the need to “build bridges” between yourself, the council and other interested parties.
Module 3 - The Council as an Employer
- Contracts of Employment
- Role and Person Specification
- Recruitment and Retention
- Discipline, Grievance and Appeals
- Health and Safety
- Training and Development
- Sources of Advice
During the presentation we will explore the role of the council as an employer. We will cover contracts of employment and how these define the employment relationship, the role and person specification, you may know the role specification as the ‘job description’, recruitment and retention, what you should do if things are going wrong, health and safety, and perhaps the most important of all getting the best out of everyone to help serve your local community, through training and development. Employment law and best practice is a complicated area, so lastly, we will finish by looking at some sources of advice.
Module 4 – Understanding the Law
- Statutory duties and powers
- Ultra Vires
- The Powers of Delegation
- Welsh Language Act
- The duty to promote Equal Opportunities
- Data Protection and FOI Act
- Sources of advice
During the presentation we will cover a range of legislation and legal duties that affect community and town councils. We will cover statutory duties and powers, the principle of ‘ultra vires’, the powers of delegation, the Welsh Language Act, the duty to promote equal opportunities and the main statutes and regulations in this area data protection and Freedom of Information act and finally, sources of advice.
Module 5 - The Council Meeting
- Calling meetings
- Types of meetings
- Standing Orders
- Agendas
- Conducting the meeting
- Passing resolutions
- Recording proceedings
During the presentation we will cover the different aspects of council meetings. We will talk about calling meetings, the different types of meetings including Annual Statutory Meetings, Extraordinary Meetings and Ordinary Meetings, the importance of Standing Orders setting and using agendas, conducting the meeting, passing resolutions, and recording proceedings.
Module 6 - Local Government Finance
- The Role of the Responsible Finance Officer
- Accounting and Strategy Guidance
- Financial Regulations and Risk Assessment
- Budgets and Precepts
- Internal and External Audit
- Insurance
- Income and Expenditure Powers
- Other Sources of Income
During the presentation we will review all the important areas in overseeing local government finance. We will cover the role of the Responsible Finance Officer, some of the general principles of accounting’, the main financial regulations and, most importantly how to assess the risks involved, setting budgets and precepts, putting robust internal and external audits in place, the insurance requirements of the Council, the income and expenditure powers of the Council, and finally other sources of income.
This is a large agenda, and financial management can sometimes appear daunting, but the aim of the session is to provide you with an understanding of the financial framework of the Council, the core information you need to know and the sources of more detailed information that you should refer to when you need to.
Module 7 - Health & Safety
To explore the legal obligations of Councils and to highlight the processes and procedures that need to be in place to ensure compliance.
Module 8 - Introduction to Community Engagement
The aim of this introductory module is to explore what is meant by the term ‘community engagement’ and how councils and Councillors can improve how they engage with the communities they serve. Using an interactive approach, the module explores why, how and where Councillors currently engage with their communities. The session includes a brief overview of key public policy in relation to community engagement and covers the key elements and terminology of community engagement. There is an opportunity for Councillors to share and learn from their personal experiences and the session ends with a community engagement planning exercise.
Module 9 - Code of Conduct
A highly interactive and informative module that enables participants to understand the Nolan principles of public life and develop a more in-depth knowledge of the Code of Conduct and how it applies to local Councillors.
The module specifically covers the following:
The Nolan Principles
What Councillors must do and must not do
Personal/Prejudicial interests
Predetermination & Predisposition
How the Code is Policed
The learning will be reinforced through practical exercises and a DVD of the Ombudsman explaining his role will be featured.
Module 10 - Chairing Skills
To explore the role of the Chair and to consider the associated issues and highlight effective approaches to effective chairing of meetings.
Module 11 - Community Emergency Planning
What does emergency planning mean to you?
This course will give an overview of emergency planning and how it relates to communities.
It will inform on the role of the main responding agencies and give an insight into what a community can do before, during and after an incident.
It will give you the opportunity to deal with a scenario real councils could face.
So…
- What is a resilient community?
- What should a community emergency plan look like?
- How would you interact with the responding agencies?
- This course will give the who, why, what and when of emergency planning!
Module 12 – Creating a Community Plan
To provide Councils with the knowledge and skills to create community plans and better understand strategy and forward budgeting.
Module 13 - Community Engagement Part II (Tools & Techniques)
To provide an insight into the way in which Councils can build on community engagement approaches and provide real leadership to help their communities and towns grow and thrive.
Module 14 - Equality & Diversity
Providing Councils with a better understanding of equality law and the Welsh Language Act and assisting Councils to promote equality and avoid unfair discrimination.
Module 15 - Information Management
To provide Councils with a better understanding of the legislation relating to Data Protection and Freedom of Information.
Module 16 - Use of IT, Websites & social media
To provide Councils with a greater knowledge of the benefits of reaching out to their communities through electronic communication.
Module 17 - Making Effective Grant Applications
To enable Councils to better understand the type of grant schemes available and to put together effective applications to support capital projects.
Module 18 – Managing Your Staff
To provide an insight into the ways in which Councils can arrange for the effective management of their staff.
Module 19 – Devolution of Services / Community Asset Transfer
Devolution of services is currently an important topic in Wales and the challenges and opportunities it presents are / or will be of concern to most Community and Town Councils.
The training module provides a highly interactive experience for Councillors and Clerks and covers the following key areas:
- Models for asset transfers
- Understanding lease issues and freehold transfers
- Models for and approaches to Service Devolution
- Policy Drivers
- Opportunities, Pitfalls and Planned outcomes
- Due Diligence Arrangements
- Asset Management Responsibilities
- Important role of Councillors
- Community Engagement approaches
Module 20 – Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 / Sustainability
This course will explain the principles of Sustainable development and relate these principles to the needs and aspirations of the communities you serve, identify relevant policies (e.g., Well Being of Future Generations Act 2015) and relate them to the powers and duties of local councils ensuring readiness to lead a process of Sustainable development planning and reporting.
Module 21 – Understanding Local Government Finance – Advanced
This course is aimed at building on the knowledge gained from attendance at Module 6 – Local Government Finance. It will appeal especially to Chairs, those serving on Finance Committees and to any Councillor who wishes to learn more about the governance and accountability framework in which councils are required to operate.
This Module covers the following areas:
- Governance and Accountability
- Roles and Responsibilities
- The Annual Governance Statement
- The Statement of Accounts
- Internal Controls and their Review
- Compliance with the Law
- The Rights of Electors
- Risk Assessment
- Internal Audit
- Liabilities and Commitments
- Trust Funds
- Reserves and Provisions
- Investments
Module 22 - Understanding Mediation
To provide an understanding of the relevance and effectiveness of mediation and conciliation approaches in the handling of low-level Code of Conduct complaints and in relation to employment matters.
Module 23 Successfully taking on a Community Asset Transfer
To provide an understanding of the most effective ways of ensuring a successful community asset transfer.
APPENDIX SIX
TOPIC COURSES AVAILABLE FROM THE SOCIETY OF LOCAL COUNCIL CLERKS AS WELL AS QUALIFICATIONS
Webinars
The SLCC offer over 100 sector specific webinars for your officers to attend from VAT to Health & Safety, Planning to Carbon Literacy https://www.slcc.co.uk/events/webinar/
Themed Summits
A one day dedicated event on topical matters https://www.slcc.co.uk/events/themed-summits/
Practitioners’ Conference
A two day in person event covering a variety of workshop topics for small / medium sized councils. A chance to network with likeminded clerks and share similar experiences https://www.slcc.co.uk/event/practitioners-conference-2023/
Joint SLCC & OVW Conference
An annual event currently delivered virtually offering training and guidance on a variety of topics https://www.slcc.co.uk/event/ovw/
Management in Action
An interactive event featuring sessions around connecting people, developing strategy and preparing the sector for the future https://www.slcc.co.uk/event/mia
National Conference
Hear from a range of distinguished sector speakers providing training focused on the conference theme (changes annually) https://www.slcc.co.uk/event/national/
Qualifications
SLCC offer a range of qualifications tailored to meet the needs of local council officers and others working with local councils in England and Wales. Study for a qualification and expand your skill set, broaden your career opportunities & progression and feel empowered.
ILCA https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/ilca/
FiLCA https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/filca/
ILCA to CiLCA https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/ilca-to-cilca/
CiLCA https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/cilca/
ILM (L5) Diploma in Leadership & Management https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/ilm-level-5-diploma-in-leadership-management/
ILM (L5) Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/ilm-level-5-certificate-in-coaching-mentoring/
ILM (L5) Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/ilm-level-5-diploma-in-coaching-mentoring/
Community Governance https://www.slcc.co.uk/qualification/community-governance/