This qualification is designed to demonstrate the competence of individuals by compiling a portfolio of evidence in areas of knowledge and skills applicable to a local council.
Anyone can undertake the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). It can be obtained by clerks, assistant/deputy clerks, aspiring clerks, councillors, staff or anyone with an interest in the sector generally.
The CiLCA qualification tests delegates in the following areas:
Roles and Responsibilities
- Roles, duties and responsibilities of chair, councillors, clerk and council
- Employment issues
- Continuing professional development
- Public relations and communication
Law
- Powers and duties of local councils
- The Power of Well Being
- New legislation and sources of advice
Procedures
- Agenda setting and meeting procedures
- Standing Orders and committees
- Freedom of Information
Finance
- Accounting and Statutory Guidance
- Budgeting, precept and income
- Grant awarding policies
- Insurance
- Sources of advice on financial matters
- VAT
Planning
- The planning framework
- Effective observations on planning applications
Community Action
- Partnership working
- Funding sources
- Community engagement
The portfolio of evidence is independently assessed by verifiers and certificates awarded by the Monitoring and Verification Board.
The University of Gloucestershire oversees the quality assurance of the certificate and liaises with the chief verifier to make sure that all standards of verification are maintained to the highest possible level.
Any council wishing to obtain Quality Status must employ a clerk who has attained the CiLCA qualification. This is one of the mandatory requirements of Quality Status.