Councillors & Chairmanship Training Programme

Councillors: Roles, Responsibilities & Working Relationships

This 2 hour Zoom training session covers the fundamental aspects of the role of a councillor and is recommended as an excellent starting point for new councillors as well as being a useful refresher for existing councillors.

The session will include understanding what a parish council is, the council structure, observing the requirements of the Member Code of Conduct, the responsibilities of different roles within the council and exploring good practices for managing key relationships within the council and with the wider community.

The cost is £45 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £65 + VAT)

Dates & Times

Thursday 22nd February 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Tuesday 19th March 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Thursday 18th April 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Wednesday 15th May 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Tuesday 18th June 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Thursday 12th September 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Thursday 24th October 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Wednesday 20th November 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours

Councillors: Chairs Training

 

A 90-minute Zoom training session exploring the role of the Chair. This covers the Chair of the council, and the Chair of a committee, and includes guidance on the skills required to be an effective Chair.

The session is suitable for existing or aspiring Chairs of council and/or committees, and will include advice and guidance on managing meetings, conflicts within the council and the council’s role as an employer.

 

The cost is £45 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £65 + VAT)

Dates & Times

Wednesday 7th February 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Monday 8th April 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Wednesday 22nd May 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Thursday 13th June 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Monday 8th July 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Tuesday 8th October 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours

Councillors: Policies, Powers & Duties

This 2 hour Zoom training session provides an understanding of the regulatory framework councils operate within, and how policies and procedures underpin the core work of the council.

The session will explain the range of powers and duties which parish councils have available, including the General Power of Competence (GPC), and how these can be used for the benefit of the community. The session is suitable for new councillors as well as being a useful refresher for existing councillors.

 

The cost is £45 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £65 + VAT)

Dates & Times

Monday 25th March 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Thursday 9th May 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Tuesday 2nd July 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours
Thursday 3rd October 2024: 6.30pm - 2 hours

Councillors: Meetings, Agendas & Minutes

 

In this 90-minute Zoom training session, we discover the importance of council meetings. The module includes understanding the statutory need for agendas and minutes, including publication requirements, and how decision making is conducted.

The session also discusses the role of the Clerk at meetings, declarations of interest, how to deal with confidential items and how to manage public attendance. The session is aimed at new and experienced councillors to help make your council meetings more effective.

 

The cost is £45 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £65 + VAT)

 

Dates & Times

Monday 12th February 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Tuesday 4th June 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Thursday 26th September 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours

Finance for Councillors

This 90-minute Zoom training session provides councillors with a greater understanding of the financial aspects of the council.

The session includes understanding how council finances differ from other businesses, the need for sound financial planning and budget management, how the precept is calculated and guidance on the regulatory framework in relation to council finances. The session is suitable for all councillors, but particularly those serving on the council’s Finance Committee.

The cost is £45 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £65 + VAT)

Dates & Times

Tuesday 20th February 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Thursday 11th April 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Monday 10th June 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Tuesday 17th September 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours
Thursday 7th November 2024: 6.30pm - 1.5 hours