Training

ChALC runs a comprehensive programme of training aimed at supporting the core work of Clerks, Councillors and Chairs.

Our policy is to make training as accessible as possible and since 2020 we have offered a suite of virtual training sessions.Costs have been kept as low as possible to ensure affordability, and for 2025 they will remain from as little as £25 for ChALC Members and from £40 for non-Members.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Please see HERE for the latest 2025 Training Schedule. The Schedule will be updated as and when new courses or sessions are added. N.B. All training sessions will be delivered virtually unless an alternative is clearly specified.

If you or any of your members would like to participate then please email Nikki Roberts at nikkiroberts@chalc.org.uk or Sharon Angus-Crawshaw at sharonangus-crawshaw@chalc.org.uk to check course availability, register and reserve a place. Prior to the session you will receive confirmation of your successful booking and joining instructions for the Zoom session.

ChALC WEBINARS
Working in collaboration with Community & Voluntary Services Cheshire East, ChALC is starting to develop short webinar sessions that can be accessed at any time. See below for titles and links: -

Introduction to Project Planning for Local Councils – This short overview is intended for those who think they would like to develop a project but don't quite know how or where to start. Cost £5

Local Council Award Scheme – Watch this 15-minute session to talk you through the Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS); what it is, what is involved, and why your council should consider doing it. FREE

EXTERNAL TRAINING PROVIDERS
Our external providers work in partnership with ChALC and offer additional training to meet your needs.

• The Parkinson Partnership -specialises in work for the parish, town and community council sector in England and Wales. They deliver finance-related advice and training via Zoom through 36 county associations of local councils in England, answering around 500 queries and delivering over 2,000 online training places each year. Details are in the ChALC training schedule.
• Breakthrough Communications – offers training in Local Council Communications and Community Engagement; Social Media and Digital Communications; Council Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills; Council Data Protection and Freedom of Information. For full information about individual courses, including dates and how to book, please click on this link https://www.breakthroughcomms.co.uk/calc-training-events
• CloudyIT – ChALC is pleased to be working with CloudyIT, a specialist provider of digital services and training for local councils. Microsoft 365 Training for Councils – In partnership with ChALC. The Digital Learning Series from CloudyIT--your trusted training partner--is designed to help council teams make the most of Microsoft 365. Whether you're building digital confidence or exploring advanced tools, every session is practical, relevant, and tailored to the way councils work. All sessions are delivered live and cost just £40 per attendee and include 'Jump In' sessions – short, 1 hour focused sessions that explore individual tools and features--ideal for discovering what's possible: and Extended sessions, 90-minute deep dives to help you build skills and confidence in the tools you use every day: Choose your session. Reserve your place. Learn with confidence. Browse sessions and book now: Online Workshops & Webinars – Cloudy IT

ChALC can also offer bespoke training sessions – please use the form and get in touch to discuss your requirements for either an ON SITE or VIRTUAL session.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that life sometimes catches us out and if you need to cancel your place we will always try to be sympathetic in our approach. However, generally we will still charge your council for your place if you do not notify us within 2 working days prior to the event.

Parkinson Partnership Advice Bulletins

ChALC members who have signed into this website can view and download the following financial advice sheets from Steve Parkinson.

• Procurement Thresholds
• Making Tax Digital
• Banking FATCA and CRS
• http://local.4746686(Coronation VAT Guidance 2023

)