NEW Induction for Clerks (not RFOs)
This session covers the role of the clerk and is suitable for anyone new to clerking; including deputies and locum clerks, and admin assistants. There is ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss real situations. We will work through a Clerks Workbook produced by the YLCA.
A separate session covers the role of the RFO. If you are Clerk/RFO please register for both sessions.
28 October 2026
9.30-12.00; £50 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
NEW Induction for Responsible Financial Officers
You will go through the RFO’s workbook produced by YLCA to ensure you understand the role and responsibilities of the RFO. These sessions cover the role of the RFO.
29 October 2026
9.30-11.30; £45 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
NEW Preparing Lawful Agendas & Good Practice Minutes
The agenda for a meeting of a parish/town council must comply with requirements set out in Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the meeting and decisions taken to be lawful. This session will incorporate preparation of the notice of a meeting, producing a lawful agenda and taking lawful minutes. It explains what needs to be published, when and where and which documents are required by law.
19 August 2026
1.30-3.00; £40 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
Procurement
For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.
This session introduces the new rules of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025 and replace the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The session covers the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money.
£35 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by Parkinson Partnership
Powers, Policies and Procedures
Understanding powers and having the right policies and procedures in place.
Good governance is essential for effective local council operations; a strong and effective organisation only arises from a robust foundation. This session will explain how powers, policies, and procedures guide council decision making and why some policies and procedures are legally required. Gain a clear understanding of the frameworks that ensure your council acts lawfully, transparently, and in the best interests of the community.
16 September 2026
1.30-3.00; £40 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
How to Complete & Manage Financial Risk Assessments
This session is being presented by YLCA. Its aim is to help councillors and clerks to understand the principles of financial risk management, the mitigations and actions a council can and should take as part of its risk management framework or system, explore how a council creates and manages an effective financial risk management scheme and a look at practical financial risk assessments.
25 August 2026
10-11am; £35 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
ILCA (Introduction to Local Council Administration)
This self-guided, online course is an introduction to the work of a local council, its councillors and the clerk. It provides an opportunity for a new clerk to study in their own time while they settle into their role. This e-learning is offered by the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). GAPTC also offers new clerk training delivered in person to small groups. More details on the member portal under 'events'.
£120 per delegate, self-guided e-learning.
BOOKCiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration)
"I can not believe I have passed my CiLCA qualification! This achievement would not have been possible without the support, mentoring, and encouragement I received from all of you over the past year. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and guidance ... your support has made all the difference. Your belief in me and your willingness to help have been invaluable."
CiLCA is a practical, level 3 qualification for the sector, available to all local council sector staff and councillors. The qualification provides a broad knowledge of all the aspects of a clerk’s work including roles and responsibilities, the law, procedures, finance, planning and community involvement. CiLCA has been tailored to meet the occupational standards for clerks and chief officers of a local council, following consultations across the sector. GAPTC offers small-group tutoring sessions to help CiLCA candidates understand the expectations and possible pitfalls of each learning outcome.
The fee is £350 for councils with an income up to £25,000 and £500 for those with an income of £25,001 and over. Please note that students must also register with SLCC who validate this qualification. We recommend that SLCC registration is not done until after the GAPTC mentoring sessions start, when advice will be given about SLCC registration.