Tues 19th May 2026 6-8pm on Zoom
£20 County Association members/£35 non-members
(invoice to councils afterwards)
This course is essential for all new councillors and a welcome refresher even for those more experienced. For those who have come into office over the last year, it is perfectly timed to build on your own experiences so far.
Being a councillor requires an understanding of how parish councils work, what they can and can’t do and your responsibilities as an individual councillor and as part of the whole council.
We will cover
- What must and can your council do?
Your Council’s duties, powers and finance
- Who does what?
Roles and Responsibilities of councillors, the chair and council staff. We will include your council’s Code of Conduct and Registers of Interest.
- Decision making
Meetings, standing orders and policies
Our presenters will be:
Lesley Swinbank, with 40+ years as a clerk to both a large town council and a smaller parish council. Currently the Society of Local Council Clerk’s Professional Development Officer.
Audrey Christie, Executive Officer at the County Durham Association of Local Councils
Click here to book on New Councillor welcome training Tues 19th May 2026 6-8pm on Zoom
The confirmation screen for your booking will include the Zoom log in details but please note you will not receive an automated email confirmation at the point of booking. We will send you a reminder with the Zoom log in details a few days before the event.
Cancellations (please email cdalc@durham.gov.uk) in the 48 hours leading up to the event, including no-shows on the evening, will be charged but will receive a copy of the presentation.