WALC Events and Training

Transparency Fund Networking Event - Help your council comply with the Transparency Code

Applications must be received by WALC no later than Wednesday 7th February 2018. This is an opportunity to gain advice from representatives from both WALC and NALC on applying for grants from the fund, meet representatives from other councils and share best practice.

This training session will cover what all clerks and councillors need to know in preparation for the end of year accounts on 31st March.

The course wil be led by Gill Lungley -  Gill has represented Worcestershire as county representative at SLCC’s NEC and is a member of the Institute of Local Council Management.  Currently Gill works part-time for two parish councils as well as delivering CALC training.

In order to reach as wide an audience as possible, PKF Littlejohn are running an interactive webinar on Tuesday 23rd January at 11am – 12.30pm.

Please note this event is not being run by WALC

So you think you know what a Councillor does?

• Do you make decisions on behalf of your Council?
• Spend Council money as you see fit?
• Fall asleep in meetings and forget what you offered to do?
• Exhibit extreme behaviour with officers and fellow members?

Perhaps there are better ways of conducting Council business......

This training session will cover what all clerks and councillors need to know in preparation for the end of year accounts on 31st March.

The course wil be led by Gill Lungley -  Gill has represented Worcestershire as county representative at SLCC’s NEC and is a member of the Institute of Local Council Management.  Currently Gill works part-time for two parish councils as well as delivering CALC training.

The course focuses on the management and operation of cemeteries in compliance with the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977 and associated legislation. Common problems are discussed and ways to avoid these by using the law.

Focus on Local Democracy

DUE TO THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN

CANCELLED

March 2018 will only be a little over a year before the next round of elections for most of our councils.  We are very aware of the difficulty many councils have in attracting people to stand as Councillors and with that in mind we are getting together a wide range of contributors to look at varying aspects of this problem and they will provide ideas on how you might encourage your communities to get involved.

Is every meeting you chair run efficiently and effectively?
Do you encourage and manage the debate and discussion?
If you get to chair meetings, whether they are Council meetings, committee meetings, voluntary bodies, fundraising, or community groups, then this is the session for you.

This training session will cover what all clerks and councillors need to know in preparation for the end of year accounts on 31st March.

The course wil be led by Gill Lungley -  Gill has represented Worcestershire as county representative at SLCC’s NEC and is a member of the Institute of Local Council Management.  Currently Gill works part-time for two parish councils as well as delivering CALC training.

Local councils can only do things for which they have a specific power but the range of powers and the courts’ interpretation of them is in constant flux.   In addition new duties are created at what can seem a frantic rate.   This training session will help you to understand and cope with recent changes and those in the pipeline.

If you are coming to this event please note that parking may be limited; please car share if possible.

This session explains how VAT affects local councils, with practical exercises to help develop your understanding and is suitable for Clerks, Finance Officers, councillors on finance committees and councillors who wish to develop their knowledge in this area. 

Essential for any council contemplating major building projects.

This short seminar will explore the different types of planning applications, what those applications include and how best to respond to them.  The course will be led by WALC Planning Advisor Neil Pearce of Avon Planning Services

This half day event will cover the basics in managing the inspections of your playgrounds and will consist of both theory and practical sessions.  We will be visiting playgrounds for the practical parts of the training.

The course will be led by TCL Group RPII inspector Dan Clifft and supported by our Technical Director Jonathan Highley who is also RPII operationally trained.

Places are limited to 2 delegates per council - priority will be given to WALC member councils

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Who should come?
The training is aimed at experienced Councillors, especially those considering becoming the Chairman/Vice Chairman of their Council or Chairman of a Council Committee.

This course will be repeated further north in the area on 5th October.

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Aimed at newly elected Councillors, or those who have not previously attended training and newly appointed Clerks and Council Officers, this course will give an overview of what a Parish Council is and it's statutory duties and powers.

Registration will be required to attend and will open prior to the election date in May.

Understanding Council Meetings and the Law

This is one of a two part essential training session for new Councillors, Clerks and Council Officers (you can attend them in any order)

This session concentrates on Parish/Town Councils and the law and how they operate through meetings.

This event is open to Parish Councillors in Stratford upon Avon area together with District Councillors and those from the County Council that have constituencies in this part of the County.

The theme this year is Rural Transport something that is a concern to all Parish Councils.  We are interpreting this topic in the broadest possible terms so it will involve everything from scheduled bus routes through community minibuses down to volunteer drivers.

We are expecting there will be a high demand for seats on this topic so Councils will be limited to two places each.

Understanding Finance, Planning and Community

This is one of a two part essential training session for new Councillors, Clerks and Council Officers (you can attend the sessions in any order).

This session concentrates on Finance, Planning and Community.

This short seminar will explore the different types of planning applications, what those applications include and how best to respond to them.  The course will be led by WALC Planning Advisor Neil Pearce of Avon Planning Services

Who should come?
The training is aimed at experienced Councillors, especially those considering becoming the Chairman/Vice Chairman of their Council or Chairman of a Council Committee.

Understanding Council Meetings and the Law

This is one of a two part essential training session for new Councillors, Clerks and Council Officers (you can attend them in any order)

This session concentrates on Parish/Town Councils and the law and how they operate through meetings.

This year is the start of a full four-year cycle and is the perfect time to think ahead about what your council can and should be doing during that time.  Many of you will have new councillors and it is important to engage them in a new programme for your Council while they are enthusiastic.  For that reason, we have selected a range of topics that should apply widely and will hopefully inspire you to pick up on some of the ideas.

Understanding Finance, Planning and Community

This is one of a two part essential training session for new Councillors, Clerks and Council Officers (you can attend the sessions in any order).

This session concentrates on Finance, Planning and Community.

The 3P’s will take delegates through the budget setting process starting with the basics of who will be involved right through to understanding the impact of the council’s decision on the town or parish’s council tax payers. On the way we will identify the plans that are needed to ensure the council and its community can move forward with confidence and understanding.

The course will be led by Gill Lungley

This training session will cover what all Clerks and Councillors need to know in preparation for the end of year accounts on 31st March.

Have you got listed buildings; conservation areas or other heritage assets in your community?

Are you worried that they may be threatened by future development?

If so, this is the course for you! Learn about this specialised area of planning and the legislation that you can use to help protect your important historic environment.  

Jane Moore – Head of NALCs legal team will be updating members about recent developments in legislation and will discuss the implications for Parish Councils.

It is a varied programme and hopefully all of you will find something of interest

This short seminar will explore the different types of planning applications, what those applications include and how best to respond to them.  The course will be led by WALC Planning Advisor Neil Pearce of Avon Planning Services

 The role of local councils

Kate Ashbrook will look at Rights of Way, the definitive footpath map and local councils’ role.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on Community Engagement and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

.  It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as a refresher on up to date practices.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on The Planning System and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

 Due to the capacity for the event places are limited to 2 per council.

This course will allow you to look at ways your parish council engages with younger members of your community, how effective it is and how you can build on it further.

THIS COURSE WAS ORIGINALLY DUE TO RUN IN APRIL AND WAS POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS.

All previous registrations will be carried forward to this date

A free one hour Zoom session open to Member Clerks and those who manage community buildings on behalf of Member Councils.

If you are looking to re-open your village hall, Kim Slater will help guide you through this process.

Kim is Chief Executive of Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC), who form part of the ACRE network and are your local Village Hall advisors. Kim is best placed to update you on the latest legislation and answer any questions you might have.

The session will be based on the ACRE Information Sheet, so all participants should have read the document and appendices before attendance.

Please click here to visit WRCC's website for the updated information sheet which will be published in the week commencing Monday, July 20th.

 Due to the capacity for the event places are limited to 2 per Council

Find the latest guidance and information on WRCC's website relevant to running a hall in Warwickshire and Solihull.

For further information about Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and their work with village halls, please visit their website here.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on The Planning System and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

This session is being re-run on 1st October

Risk Assessments - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Have you ever thought “What is the point of risk assessments?” If so, then this is a course for you. With some actual examples of where risk assessments have gone wrong and some where they have saved managers from being charged with Gross Negligent Manslaughter.

Additionally we go through a basic risk assessment and discuss how to do it correctly and then what to do with it.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on your Purpose, the People involved and the Powers available to you and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

 Due to the capacity for the event places are limited to 2 per council.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on Parish/Town Council Meetings and the Management of Risk and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

 Due to the capacity for the event places are limited to 2 per council.

THIS COURSE WILL BE RUN ON 7th OCTOBER 2020

See Understanding: Finance & Governance

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview on The Planning System and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

 Due to the capacity for the event places are limited to 2 per council.

Explore Chairmanship skills over two Zoom sessions.  Please see full details of each session below.

Who should come?
The training is aimed at experienced Councillors, especially those considering becoming the Chairman/Vice Chairman of their Council or Chairman of a Council Committee.

It’s been a tough time for Councils this year!  Now is the time to make sure you have the funds to support your community, whilst ensuring financial control and good governance.

This essential training session aimed at Councillors and Clerks is part of the 'Understanding Your Council' series, and will provide an overview onCouncil Finance and Governance and the role and responsibilities of a Councillor.

 It will benefit new and seasoned Councillors as an introduction, or refresher on up to date practices.

The 3P’s will take delegates through the budget setting process starting with the basics of who will be involved right through to understanding the impact of the council’s decision on the town or parish’s council tax payers. On the way we will identify the plans that are needed to ensure the council and its community can move forward with confidence and understanding.

The course will be led by Gill Lungley

We will guide you through the process of creating a Facebook profile and page, posting to and administering the page, finding and engaging with followers, and liking and engaging with other organisations’ pages. We will also work through the process of setting up and administering a Facebook Group.