Training
at the EALC offices & Hubs and online
We believe that all councils should commit to ensuring that it fulfils its duties and responsibilities to the community it serves as professionally as possible. The best way to achieve this is to develop a training and development plan that covers councillors, the clerk, officers and any other employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake their roles and the roles of others. This includes complying with legislation and in accordance with their own policies and procedures.
With some careful planning, the whole council can benefit from the skills individuals bring to the team and capitalise on the opportunities available to learn new skills that will help them deliver the right outcomes for their community.
With some careful planning, the whole council can benefit from the skills individuals bring to the team and capitalise on the opportunities available to learn new skills that will help them deliver the right outcomes for their community.
Training Hub
For Clerks
The role of a Clerk is to ensure that the council, as a whole, conducts its business properly and to provide independent support.
A Clerk is a vital asset to the council, making a significant contribution to the work of the council.
It is a professional role requiring specialist knowledge and a range of skills.
As the proper officer, the Clerk performs all routine administration, Financial management, staff management (if applicable), manages the Council’s procedures, raises the profile of the Council in the Local Community and implements council decisions.
For Councillors
Councillors are collectively responsible for making Council policy, for which they are accountable to the electorate. They are recognised nationally as the level of local government closest to people, or the 1s tier.
The Chairman and the Mayor are the figure heads of Councils across Essex, playing an important role ensuring the Council conducts its business professionally.
For staff
The defining indicator of a good council is how it looks after it's people. Whether the council employs a single member of staff for a few hours a week, or a large and varied team of individuals, training and development is key to achieving the best outcomes for your communities.
ciLCA (certificate in Local Council Administration)
This qualification is designed to demonstrate the competence of individuals by compiling a portfolio of evidence in areas of knowledge and skills applicable to a Local Council.
Anyone can undertake the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). It can be obtained by clerks, assistant/deputy clerks, aspiring clerks, councillors, staff or anyone with an interest in the sector generally.
Councillor Refresher Sessions
Our Councillor Refresher Session is available as a standalone three-hour course. This session can be delivered to multiple Councils together, giving councillors the opportunity to benefit from shared discussion, wider perspectives and collaborative learning.
Charges (1st April 2026-31st March 2027)
£100.00
Minimum of 5 attendees
The EALC Short Course Programme
The EALC Short Course Programme provides bespoke, in-person training tailored specifically to your Council.
We understand that every Parish and Town Council operates differently. That’s why our experienced and trusted Tutors deliver guidance that reflects the unique structure, challenges and priorities of your Council — ensuring you receive practical, relevant advice that makes a real difference.
Short Course Modules – Council Basics
We also offer flexible modules covering a range of core topics to support Councils in carrying out their work effectively.
A Council Basics session often proves invaluable, bringing councillors together through joint training while helping to clarify roles, responsibilities and any common misconceptions.
Nimble Online Learning
Working with Nimble, we are able to provide online training sessions that councillors and clerks can take at any time. These sessions, (described as E-Learning sessions), offer a flexible, time and cost-effective way of learning. Whilst they are not specifically tailored to the local council sector, they do provide officers and local councillors an introduction/overview of important topics.
Get in touch
If you have any specific enquiries on the training we offer, please contact –