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 2026 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 2026 Training Schedule. This lists the ChALC sessions for 2026 and also includes details of additional training provided by external trainers.
Please note that 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 in any sessions 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.
"The course was excellent ; engaging, interesting and very well delivered"
"It was a superb course and please pass on my thanks
Jackie who delivered it so well"
- participants from ChALC Online Training 2025 & 2026
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
Community & Voluntary Services Cheshire East is also delivering a bespoke online session Neurodivergence Training for Councils on 4th June 2026 at 10am. This interactive session will explore how local authorities can better understand, support, and include neurodivergent employees, volunteers and the public across a range of roles and services.
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.
Lewis Anderson Enterprises - offering new online sessions on Growing your Local Identity; Managing Projects for Town and Parish Councils; Understanding the Planning System and Taking the GRRR out of AGAR. Delivered by Lewis Anderson PSLCC – an experienced Clerk, Councillor & Internal Auditor, and former county council Project Manager. Full 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 – 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 from £45 per attendee. They 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: Browse sessions and book now: Online Workshops & Webinars – Cloudy IT
If you require something other than our regular training, 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.