Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils

Warwickshire Birmingham and Solihull Training Partnership

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS

“ THE CERTIFICATE IN LOCAL COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION (CiLCA) “

This qualification was introduced in 2003 to ensure a countrywide basic qualification for parish and town council clerks. It meets the competent clerk criteria for the Quality Parish Scheme. It specifically tests candidates against a list of core competencies on the work of a parish clerk.

What Does the Clerk Gain?

Improved job performance

Career development for experienced clerks and deputy clerks

Right to salary increment

Quote from Graham Cooper, Clerk to Old Milverton and Blackdown Parish Council, Warwickshire on being awarded the Certificate.

“The experience was an encouragement to focus on the various practices and regulations of which Clerks should be aware, and drew helpful attention to various legal requirements”.

What Does the Council Gain?

Recognition of a professionally run Parish and Town Council serving the local community.

Clerk trained to a professional standard

Compliance with the competent clerk criteria necessary for attainment of Quality Status:

- Quality Status is a charter mark indicating a well-run council

- The Status provides opportunities for increased partnership working between local councils and all tiers of local authorities

- Plus parish involvement in decisions on service management and delivery, if the parish council chooses

In the Future, as this is a nationally recognised qualification which councils can expect applicants for the position of clerk to hold.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

A requirement to complete a Portfolio of Evidence, working at own pace,

no formal exams

Three types of evidence are required for the portfolio:

- copies of existing documents

- short written explanations

- lists of information

Core Topics and Skills fall into six sections:

Roles and Responsibilities		Roles, duties and responsibilities of chair, councillors, clerk and council Employment issues
		Continuing professional development Public relations and communication
Law		Powers and functions of local councils New legislation and sources of advice

Procedures		Agenda setting and meeting procedures Standing orders
		Conditions of office
Finance		Accounting and statutory guidance Budgeting, precept and income Internal and external audit processes
		Sources of advice on financial matters
		Best Value

Planning		The planning framework Effective observations on planning applications
Community action		Partnership in local government Funding sources
		Active groups in the community

Study Time Necessary to Complete Portfolio

Clerks have found it takes them on average 20 to 30 hours

Registration Period

Candidates have 24 months in which to complete their Portfolio from the date of registering. Of course it may be completed and submitted in a shorter period.

Failure to complete within 24 months means the candidate must pay the registration fee in full.

GUIDANCE AND HELP AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE

Training events in locations throughout the Area

- Led by a Professional Tutor and Local Government Officers

- No compulsion to attend Clerks may choose, but it is strongly recommended that candidates attend.

Mentoring to help with completion of Portfolio

- Two one hour, one to one sessions with an experienced Tutor

- Advice on the end of the phone or e mail

Free Copy of

- The Portfolio Guide

- Pitfalls to Avoid whilst Compiling Your Portfolio of Evidence

HOW ARE THE PORTFOLIOS MARKED?

Professional Markers have been appointed for each Area

The National Chief Verifier will ensure a uniform professional standard

COST FOR CERTIFICATE IN LOCAL COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION

Registration Fee

In 2007/2008 the registration fee is £70.00 and payable to the Society of Local Council Clerks.

Training and Mentoring Fees

For two face to face individual mentoring sessions with a professional Tutor and attendance at one Training Event the fee in 2007/08 is £60.00 organised by the Warwickshire Solihull and Birmingham Training Partnership

Total Cost to Council £130.00

Bursary to Help with Training Costs Available up to 31 March 2008

- Scheme is open to all councils with a turnover under £25,000 pa

- Maximum grant of £200

- Payment of up to 75% of the cost of a training course

- Council prepared to contribute at least 25%