A conference instigated by clerks for clerks and their councillors; this popular event continues to be populated by topics chosen by you and will be delivered virtually.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2021 Conference taking place over three days, Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th February 2021.
A unique blend of alternative workshops all of direct practical relevance to parish, community and town councils:
- Explore the NEW Toolkit designed to support clerks experiencing issues with standards & behaviour
- Is your community missing out? Discover the grants & funding opportunities
- Set yourself free from subconscious bias
- Exercise your mind to become resilient to tasks, events, people & negatively
- What is diversity? What it takes to make your council diverse
- Identify lost rights of way to ensure they are not lost forever!
- Have a more positive social media presence & manage negative comments
- Common issues & legislative requirements for those working in cemeteries
Booking is now closed.
What’s in it for you?
- Choose your sessions – pick from a range of sessions to develop your own learning agenda
- Tailored content – the mix of online workshops & plenary sessions will include relevant advice for clerks in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as guidance covering funding, communications, regulations & more!
- CPD points – accrue CPD points to increase your knowledge as well as building your CPD log. To be eligible to claim the full 6 CPD points you will need to have attended at least 15 sessions, i.e. 5 sessions per day over 3 days. CPD points are self-awarded.
- Join your colleagues – meet up with your colleagues in the virtual networking session to share your experiences, learn from fellow clerks or just meet up with friends
- Save time – the online delivery means there is no travel time plus you can learn from the comfort of your home or office!
How much?
Three days of training for only £75 + VAT members or £199 + VAT non-members.
Member price for non-members discount – bring along a fellow clerk, officer or councillor and get their non-member place for £75 + VAT!
Clerks in Wales – you could be eligible for a bursary towards 50% of the cost. Click here to find out more.
How do I book & register?
Book the event here, we’ll email you confirmation of the booking and send you the digital delegate pack before the event begins.
Included in your pack will be the agenda containing the Zoom links to register, register for every session before the conference begins. To register, simply click the registration link next to the session name and complete your details, you will then be sent a Zoom link which will allow you to join the session at the allotted time.
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
A closer look at your sessions....
An Optimistic Story of Resilience, Change & Courage to Make Life Altering Decisions
Matt Ellison, Motivational Speaker
Thursday 25th February, 14:30 – 15:30
Matt Ellison is an inspiring and thought provoking transgender speaker. His life experience as a trans man himself means those who hear Matt speak are inspired and encouraged. The principles of facing something so profoundly difficult and making such a huge and fundamental change apply to everyone in all areas of their professional and personal life.
With today’s more accepting society the number of trans folk having the courage to transition is doubling every few years. So this topic is relevant and something everyone should know more about.
Diversity, not so Black & White
Becky Walsh, Personal Power Specialist, Beckywalsh.com
Wednesday 24th February, 14:30 – 15:30
Becky’s session will cover ‘What is diversity?’
• How bias gets into our subconscious and how to become free.
• Square peg in a round hole? Why shaving your sides to fit in is not the answer.
• Why a diverse organisation is a strong organisation.
• Why racists don’t know they are being racist.
Creating Positive Content For Social Media & Managing Negativity
Sam Flynn, Managing Director, Sam Flynn Social Media
Wednesday 24th February, 11:30 – 12:30
Sam Flynn has been training businesses in the use of social media for over 9 years. She has a background in business psychology and uses this in her training to help businesses understand how to build relationships with their online audience. Sam speaks regularly at events worldwide about achieving success on social media and has written a book – Social Media Super Success.
In this session, you’ll discover:
- How to have a more positive social media presence
- What content to share beyond council news
- How to encourage people to engage with that content
- How to manage any negativity in the comments
- How to avoid negativity going forward
Ramblers, Don't Lose Your Way
Jack Cornish, Programme Manager, Don’t Lose Your Way at the Ramblers – Britain’s Walking Charity
Wednesday 24th February, 11:30 – 12:30
There are 140,000 miles of rights of way across England and Wales. But there are also thousands of miles of rights of way which are not on the map and it they aren’t recorded by the 1st January 2026 they could be lost forever.
In the session you will learn how to identify potential lost rights of way in your area, how you can apply for a right of way to be added to the map, an overview of the evidence to claim rights of way and what support is available.
Mindfulness Taster Session
Annie Knapman, Yoga, Mindfulness & Relaxation Teacher
Tuesday 23rd February, 17:00 – 17:30
Always wanted to give mindfulness a go? Experience this powerful wellbeing practice for yourself with a 30 minute Mindfulness Taster Session. No experience or equipment required. All you need is somewhere to sit comfortably. We’ll be exploring two short practices during the session with time for questions at the end.
After falling in love with yoga in a dusty community centre, Annie soon discovered that the benefits go far beyond the physical improvements in flexibility, balance and strength that yoga is widely known for. Yoga is about making time to connect with yourself. It’s an opportunity to build our resilience, learn to be kinder to ourselves and to nurture both our physical and mental wellbeing. Annie completed her teacher training in 2015 (Yoga Alliance Certified) and has since completed further training in Restorative Yoga (TriYoga, 2016) and a Diploma in Relaxation, Meditation and Mindfulness (Smart Foundations, 2017).
Looking to 2021 with an Eye on Responsible Investment
Mark Davies, CCLA Relationship Manager, Local Government & Kelly Watson, Kelly Watson, CCLA Relationship Manager
Tuesday 23rd February, 11:40 – 12:40
Join the Practitioners’ Conference sponsor, CCLA Investment, to take a look at how the economy is faring in the post-Covid world (hopefully!) and highlight how CCLA manages clients’ money in a responsible way.
Also, join Kelly, Jamie and Mark for a gossip about current events over a much-needed cuppa Wednesday 24th February, 14:30 – 15:30
Markets Supporting the High Street
David Preston FSLCC, NABMA Chief Executive
Thursday 25th February, 11:30 – 12:30
Many local councils now operate markets and for centuries they have been the heart beat of local communities. However, at the end of 2020, there is a real fear that the future of 85% of traditional markets may be under threat due to the impact of the pandemic and lack of government support.
Recognised to be in the top 25 factors to create vibrant town centres, and witnessing renewed trust and customer loyalty during lockdowns, then how has Covid 19 really impacted on markets and market trading, and how important will local markets and events be to the recovery of the local high street?
David has been part of the NABMA family since his first conference experience as far back as 1976 at Llandudno. He looks forward to the future in an organisation that is supportive, friendly and so important in terms of its services, education and networking.
Climate Emergency: Easy wins and practical actions for local councils
Rachel Coxcoon, Programme Director, Climate Emergency Support
Wednesday 24th February, 13:00 – 14:00
This session will cover the reasons your council should act on the climate emergency, as well as an overview of ‘quick wins’ using examples of councils who have already implemented the strategies. This will be followed by a breakout session to brainstorm actions around particular themes such as transport, retrofit, dietary changes etc.
Rachel has 15 years of experience in sustainable energy, and played a pivotal role in developing CSE’s work on community energy and low carbon planning. She has particular skills and understanding regarding the planning system, sustainable energy in heritage settings, and the central role of community consultation and consent as a foundation of successful local projects.
Rachel is also experienced in working with central government departments (e.g. BEIS, MHCLG and Defra) as an advisor and project manager. A skilled public speaker and trainer representing CSE in the media and at events, with a critical eye for the development of high-quality resources (including CSE’s multi award-winning PlanLoCaL pack).
Share with Colleagues
Choose to join the small or medium council networking for an informative and fun session, providing you with the chance to share stories, concerns and best practice with your fellow clerks:
Small Council Networking
Katie Walding PSLCC, Sway Parish Council
Wednesday 24th February, 14:30 – 15:30
Designed for councils with a precept under £50k
Medium Council Networking
Lee Dunkley FSLCC, Clerk to St Agnes Parish Council & Jane Biscombe FSLCC, Clerk to Weymouth Town Council
Tuesday 23rd February, 14:20 – 15:20
Designed for councils with a precept between £50k – £100k
Feedback from the 2020 delegates
“Thanks to all involved. It really was a great conference, with really useful workshops. The exhibitors were also good to meet, even if providing services we don’t use, it’s always good for future projects. After Paul McGee’s presentation I felt as I was sitting taller, topped up with some self- belief and self-confidence. Jane Biscombe went on to underpin the sentiments with the Critical Conversations workshop. What a positive and powerful start to the conference (and all in one morning!) Brilliant, thank you all. It’s just what a lot of Clerks needed to hear.” Helen Watson FSLCC, Town Clerk, Beverley Town Council
“I always enjoying meeting supportive clerks and networking.”
“The networking at all SLCC events are great. It’s just remembering everything you’ve been told afterwards! Really enjoyed it. It felt like a battery re-charge – thank you!”
“The hotel was excellent especially the food. Thanks to all who worked hard to come up with topical and interesting features. A difficult task done very well.”
“Extremely well organised, SLCC extremely welcoming, quality of speakers was good, venue was very good – overall a motivational day”
Over 90% of attendees found their overall experience of Practitioners’ 2020 ‘good’or ‘excellent’
Practitioners’ Conference 2021 is generously sponsored by CCLA Investment Management
For expert advice visit www.ccla.co.uk
