Training Policy February 2019 (Review Date 2021)

Approval

This policy was approved at the Parish council Monthly Meeting on 6 February 2020

Introduction

This document forms the Council’s Training Policy. It sets out:

• The Council’s commitment to training
• The identification of training needs
• Training Budget

Commitment to Training

Coxhoe Parish Council is committed to ensuring its staff and Councillors are trained to the highest standard and kept up to date with all new legislation. To support this funds are allocated to a training budget each year to enable staff and Councillors to attend training and conferences relevant to their office.

Training Needs

In terms of training needs:

• The Council as a whole is responsible for monitoring and meeting the training needs of employees and members and managing the budget.
• Training requirements will usually be identified by the Council and Clerk and opportunities to attend courses will be investigated by the Clerk and brought to the attention of the full Council.
• The principles of the National Training Strategy for Town and Parish Councils is recognised as an excellent strategy for both Clerk and Councillors.
• The Clerk will be expected to hold or be working towards the Certificate in Local Council Administration (as a minimum) and the Council will provide appropriate training and support to enable this to be achieved.
• Employees will be expected to attend all relevant training days whenever possible which are relevant to their role and duties. Time will be allowed and remunerated for attendance at such training.
• New Councillors will be expected to attend induction training provided locally and will be provided with an information pack containing the documents as set out in the Induction Training pack.
• New Councillors will be encouraged to attend induction and on-going development training provided by County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) and the County Training Partnership (CTP).

Training Budget

Training and development will be achieved by including a realistic financial allocation for training and development in the annual budget. The Council will pay the annual subscription to the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and Durham Association of Town and Parish Councils (CDALC) to enable the Clerk and Councillors to take advantage of their training courses and conferences.