Certificate in Local Council Adminstration
CiLCA represents an accessible introductory certification designed for individuals working within the local sector, including Clerks and Councillors. This qualification is granted by the nationally recognised awarding body, Ascentis, and is positioned at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), the equivelent to qualifications such as AS/A levels, NVQs Level 3, or BTEC Nationals. CiLCA has been thoughtfully customised to align with the occupational standards established for Chief Officers or Clerks of Local Councils. These standards were officially approved in 2012 after a comprehensive consultation process conducted throughout the sector.
How will the Council Benefit?
Pursuing CiLCA enhances the understanding of legal principles and best practices within Local Councils. Students engage in a comprehensive evaluation of policies and procedures, ensuring the council's adherence to ethical standards. CiLCA establishes a strong foundation, enabling the council to effectively navigate evolving situations and work towards its future goals and vision. Moreover, a Clerk with CiLCA certification contributes to the council's eligibility to obtain the General Power of Competence.
How it Works
Participants in CiLCA complete a series of modules or units that cover various aspects of local government administration, including legal frameworks, good governance, finance, community engagement, and more.
Candidates engage in self-study to complete the required modules. They will receive guidance and resources from their trainer/mentor, but a significant portion of the learning process involves independent research and study.
A key component of CiLCA is the creation of a portfolio that showcases the candidate’s understanding of the material and their ability to apply it to real-world situations. The portfolio typically includes evidence of work done within their local council.
The portfolio is submitted for assessment by qualified assessors, who evaluate the candidate’s work and knowledge. Successful completion of the portfolio is a significant part of achieving CiLCA certification.
CiLCA is awarded by Ascentis, the national awarding body. Once the portfolio is assessed and the candidate meets the necessary criteria, they receive the CiLCA certification at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
CiLCA encourages ongoing professional development within the local council sector to keep knowledge and skills up to date.
Our Commitment
The registered trainers support the Clerk throughout the course, reading and giving constructive feedback. They also advise the Clerk on a one to one basis, as well as at the group sessions.
The EALC supports Clerks with the EMMA system and the submitting completed work on line to achieve a pass.
Only recognised registered trainers receive all the up to date information regarding the qualification, how to teach it and how to attain the right level.
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Help Towards Costs
Councils with a turnover less than £80k are eligible for a Clerk’s Bursary. The bursary provides a refund on passing the course of 75% of the cost of training. The EALC provides £150.00 towards the cost of registration for all Clerks regardless of the size of the Council.
Core Courses List
A Clerk now needs to have been in place for over 9-12 months and must have attended or have knowledge of all the core courses their County Association delivers. Once a Clerk has completed this criteria they can then apply to do their qualification. They will then be advised of the next available CiLCA course they can join.
Prior to the course commencement a training analysis form must be completed prior to attending the compulsory standalone CiLCA module workshop that has to be delivered by all County Associations before the commencement of the sixth month course. The training
analysis forms are looked through by the Executive County Training Officer & the Associations CiLCA recognised trained trainer who will be delivering
the CiLCA course prior to the Stand Alone Module.
Application Form
Please fill out the following form and send to- training@ealc.gov.uk.