This session is mandatory for anyone wihing to embark on the Certificate in Local Adminstration 2021 qualification.
The aim is to:

• Assess the candiates suitablity to do the course
• Assess their training needs
• Explain the course content and expectations of the candidates and their trainer
• Provide hints and tips on putting together a success portfolio
• Provide resources to get you started
• Link you into a network of other clerks embarking on the same journey
• For you to ask questions
• Meet the other potential candidates and network

If you are new to the role of the Proper Officer (Clerk) to a Local Council, or you have not undertaken any training for the role you are undertaking, this session will give you the very basics to enable you to ensure your council is operating lawfully.

The biggest mistake a new Clerk can make is simply continue to do what the previous Clerk did, or worse still, just accept what the councillors think their Clerk should do. This session will provide you with the information you need about:

• Who does what
• The duties and responsibilities of the Council
• The duties the of the Proper Officer (Clerk)
• The Clerks Core Standards
• Key policies
• The Clerks Year
• Agenda setting and minute taking – the essentials
• Resources for the future

There is a mandatory session. "The Introduction to CiLCA" which must be completed by all students and signed off by the recognised trainer prior to applying to do the qualification with the SLCC. This session is provided separately to enable Students to complete it without registering for the support package if they wish. this session is £40 for members (£80 for non-members).

If you are new to the role of the Proper Officer (Clerk) to a Local Council, or you have not undertaken any training for the role you are undertaking, this session will give you the very basics to enable you to ensure your council is operating lawfully.

The biggest mistake a new Clerk can make is simply continue to do what the previous Clerk did, or worse still, just accept what the councillors think their Clerk should do. This session will provide you with the information you need about:

• Who does what
• The duties and responsibilities of the Council
• The duties the of the Proper Officer (Clerk)
• The Clerks Core Standards
• Key policies
• The Clerks Year
• Agenda setting and minute taking – the essentials
• Resources for the future

If you are new to the role of the Proper Officer (Clerk) to a Local Council, or you have not undertaken any training for the role you are undertaking, this session will give you the very basics to enable you to ensure your council is operating lawfully.

This session will provide you with the information you need about:

• Who does what
• The duties and responsibilities of the Council
• The duties the of the Proper Officer (Clerk)
• The Clerks Core Standards
• Key policies
• The Clerks Year
• Agenda setting and minute taking – the essentials
• Resources for the future

If you are new to the role of the Proper Officer (Clerk) to a Local Council, or you have not undertaken any training for the role you are undertaking, this session will give you the very basics to enable you to ensure your council is operating lawfully.

This session will provide you with the information you need about:

• Who does what
• The duties and responsibilities of the Council
• The duties the of the Proper Officer (Clerk)
• The Clerks Core Standards
• Key policies
• The Clerks Year
• Agenda setting and minute taking – the essentials
• Resources for the future

This package provides the Introduction to CiLCA short course and an ongoing structured programme of tutorials and mentoring support to enable Clerks to successfully complete the CiLCA qualification.   The second cohort will engage with sessions on the following dates:

The course fees are tiered depending on the size and income of the local council from which you are registering - those with an income of less than £25k per annum will be eligible for a discoutned registration fee of £250.  Please contact ALCA before enrolling so that all details can be checked.

This course offers new Clerks a clear and practical introduction to the role, focusing on the core duties, legal responsibilities and everyday processes needed to support an effective local council. It explains the Clerk’s statutory position as Proper Officer (and often RFO), the governance framework councils must operate within, and the good practice expected from the outset.

Participants are guided through key legislation, meeting administration, financial basics and the professional boundaries required when advising councillors. The session also introduces essential compliance areas such as transparency, data protection and internal controls, giving new Clerks the confidence to manage the role’s varied demands.

This package provides the Introduction to CiLCA short course and an ongoing structured programme of tutorials and mentoring support to enable Clerks to successfully complete the CiLCA qualification.   The second cohort will engage with sessions on the following dates:

The course fees are tiered depending on the size and income of the local council from which you are registering - those with an income of less than £25k per annum will be eligible for a discoutned registration fee.  Please contact ALCA before enrolling so that all details can be checked.

The Proper Officer – New Clerk Foundations

Part 1: Understanding the Local Council System

Course summary

This introductory session is designed to help new Clerks understand the local council environment they are working in and the role of the Proper Officer within it. The course explains how parish and town councils fit within the wider local government structure, how councils act as corporate bodies, and how lawful decisions are made through properly convened meetings.

The session provides a practical foundation for Clerks who are new to the sector, helping them understand not only what councils do, but how they must operate to remain lawful, transparent and effective.

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 the foundations of local council governance

No prior local council experience is required.

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.