Knowledge and Core Skills

The Knowledge session is designed to be an introduction to being a councillor. It will give you the knowledge and signposts to further information to enable you to be more effective in your role. Topics include the context and role of parish or town councils and that of its councillors, the legal and regulatory framework, meetings and procedures, council services and assets, community engagement/action and tools for you to use, including a jargon buster and sources of further information.

The Core Skills session is designed to build upon the information learned in The Knowledge session, by developing the skills needed to be an effective parish or town councillor. This session is designed to provide a thought-provoking look at parish and town councils and the roles and responsibilities of being a councillor. The session is fun and interactive. It aims to give you improved confidence in engaging in local democracy and highlight areas in which you might wish to learn more. Topics covered include meeting structure and protocol, allocating resources, local council powers and duties, jargon, planning and code of conduct.