New Councillor Induction
This is the first session all new councillors should register to attend. We walk you through a background to the sector, the role of the county association, what's taking place nationally, what support and resources are available to you and your council, and advise your next training steps.
Four parts: Introduction, e-learning course (Introduction to Local Councils), attend 2 council meetings, Feedback session.
See the GALC events calendar for dates
£45 per delegate; online
Link to book via GALC training calendar
Presented by GALC
Off to a Flying Start Part 1
As a new councillor, you want to do a great job for your community and in doing so, you will want to do things right – register to find out about your role, duties and responsibilities as a councillor and those of the council that you are member of. The session is aimed at new councillors but is also suited to councillors that have completed training previously and would like to refresh their knowledge. Only book this session if you are also booking Part 2.
2 September 2026
6.30-8.30pm; £45 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
Off to a Flying Start Part 2
This is a continuation of part one, giving councillors the knowledge and understanding of how to deal with council business lawfully. The session will provide you with information about the law, powers, duties and procedures relating to local councils. It will provide you with an understanding of the Councils’ responsibilities relating to employment, data protection and planning. Only book this session if you are also booking Part 1.
8 September 2026
6.30-8.30pm; £45 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
Chairing Skills Part 1
This training session is suitable for chairs, vice chairs and those councillors that aspire to become the chair of a council or a committee. The Part 1 session will cover the general role of the chair (or where applicable Mayor), calling and convening an Extraordinary Meeting, the power of the chair, presiding over the Annual Parish meeting and Annual Meeting of the Council, preparation for meetings including the importance of a lawful agenda, and confirming the accuracy of the minutes, dealing with apologies and reasons for absence, declarations of interest, and handling different personalities and some difficult and sensitive issues. Only book this session if you are also booking Part 2.
3 September 2026
10.00-12.00; £45 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
Chairing Skills Part 2
We will discuss meeting procedures (standing orders), making lawful decisions, urgent decisions, casting vote, handling amendments, points of order and procedural motions, handling conflict at meetings and unruly behaviour, also managing public participation. The chair’s role, such as becoming the clerks liaison councillor, building a strong working relationship with the clerk and other members of staff, making sure the relevant policies and procedures are in place. Only book this session if you are also booking Part 1.
10 September 2026
10.00-12.00; £45 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
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
Finance for Councillors
This session is for councillors only and is designed to give them a greater understanding of their duties with regard to the council's finances.
You will understand the council's duties regarding financial management, be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance, be aware of how the council's accounts are prepared and audited, be able to recognise the importance of internal controls, and understand how VAT law applies to your council.
£40 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by Parkinson Partnership
Data Protection for Parish & Town Councillors
It's important for any councillor to grasp how data protection laws relate to your role. This is true for new as well as longer serving councillors. This session clarifies a councillor's legal responsibilities to themself and the council. We will guide you on the right procedures and best practice. We will also introduce Freedom of Information and the implications it has for councillors.
£40 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by Breakthrough Communications
Councillors: Social Media Skills
Social media provides councillors an opportunity to engage and communicate with their residents. Building up two-way conversations through the power of digital platforms has never been easier, but it can be tricky to get started and to know where to focus your time and effort. We walk you through the essential ways to get the most out of key social media platforms as a local councillor, what issues to be mindful of, and we provide top tips to engage with your residents.
£40 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by Breakthrough Communications
Recruiting a More Diverse Pool of Councillors
It is increasingly challenging to find people who are willing to put their names forward either at election time or to be co-opted. We explore effective ways councils and councillors can engage people over time, building up their awareness and interest in the work of the council, in order to better promote and demystify the role of a councillor.
£40 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by Breakthrough Communications
Caring for War Memorials
War Memorials Trust will discuss how to manage war memorial heritage and the importance of best conservation practice to preserve them for as long as possible. The charity will also outline the help it can provide including advice, grants and maintenance tools. This will include War Memorials Online, the website seeking to create a greater understanding of the condition of war memorials in the UK. To check if the councils’ war memorials are included visit www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk
10 September 2026
1.30-3.00; £40 per delegate; online
Presented by YLCA
Addressing the Biodiversity Challenge
This topic has never been more relevant; particularly as local councils have a duty from January 2024 to consider biodiversity and help tackle the growing biodiversity crisis. This session identifies the practical changes and steps councils can realistically implement to help enhance biodiversity within the community.
21 Septmber 2026
6.30-8.30pm; £45 per delegate; online
Link to view and book sessions
Presented by YLCA