CiLCA

What is the Certificate in Local Council Administration?

This is the accredited certificate for our sector, designed to test basic levels of competence for the role of parish clerk. The syllabus has been designed to cover all aspects of the clerk's role and candidates are required to compile a portfolio of evidence to show they fully understand their job. The certificate for clerks is a vital criteria for a council gaining quality Parish Status.

Once registered for the certificate you are given the option of how you would like to work towards the portfolio, your CTP will be able to provide advice regarding the various training methods available. Having completed the training (available via your County Training Partnership) you can then attempt to compile the portfolio of evidence that you submit (in order to gain the Certificate).

Who can apply to do the Certificate in Local Council Administration?

Anyone can undertake the Certificate in Local Council Administration. Although it is has been designed for parish and town clerks, it can be undertaken by assistant clerks, aspiring clerks, councillors or ay other person interested in local council administration. All you need is access to a helpful parish council's and access to information, and guidance from a CTP on how to compile your portfolio of evidence.

There are no entry requirements but it would be helpful if you were working for a parish or town council (either as a clerk or an assistant clerk), as you will need access to documents for your portfolio. It is possible for 'prospective' clerks to apply for the certificate; the course pack "Working with Your Council" caters for this level of entry.

The CiLCA is an accreditation attached to the candidate, not the council. Although this accreditation has been designed for clerks, there is nothing to stop elected members registering, undertaking the training and compiling a portfolio of evidence.

What are County Training Partnerships (CTPs)?

These local partnerships implement the National Training Strategy, coordinate and deliver training at grass roots level. Each county in England has a CTP, initially funded by a grant from the NTS. A CTP is made up of all parties interested in training in the sector (e.g. SLCC, RCC, CALC, principal authority, college of further or higher education, etc).

CTPs will advise clerks and councillors on what training options are available in their aea. To find out where your nearest CTP is, look under the County Training Partnership link on www.nalc.gov.uk/training or www.slcc.co.uk/training.

How do I get the Certificate in Local Council Administration?

Firstly, you will need to contact your local County Training Partnership and request a registration form. You will need to complete this form, plus send a cheque for £70 and make this payable to the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). Both the cheque and the form need to posted to their main office in Taunton for processing.

SLCC

1 The Crescent

Taunton

TA1 4AE

PLEASE DO NOT SEND EITHER YOUR REGISTRATION FORM OR YOUR CHEQUE DIRECT TO YOUR CTP- IT MUST BE SENT TO THE SLCC.

Once you have registered forCiLCA, you will have 24 months from the date you signed the registration form to complete and hand in your Portfolio of Evidence. Your CTP is there to help you find the most appropriate training for your needs, and to enable you to complete your portfolio of evidence successfully.

You can compile the portfolio in a number of ways: by using your own experience, by attending a training course locally, or by doing the distance learning course pack "Working With Your Council".

If you think you will not be able to undertake both training and compilation of the portfolio in 24 months, you may wish to register for the Certificate AFTER undertaking the training available via your CTP.

When and where do I submit my portfolio of evidence?

You can start work on your portfolio of evidence once you have registered for CiLCA  and you must compile it over a period of 24 months. It is advisable to compile it in conjunction with a specific course (e.g. one provided via your CTP) and with reference to the 'Portfolio Guide & Assessment Criteria' document, available from all training providers and www.nalc.gov.uk/training or www.slcc.co.uk/training.

Once you have registered with your CTP you can then submit your portfolio. Although it may be a good idea to wait a couple of days to make sure all the paper work has gone through. Candidates must send their completed portfolio direct to the SLCC Main office in Taunton; from there it will be sent to a verifier for marking.

What is the Portfolio Guide and Assessment Criteria document - and how do I get hold of it?

The Portfolio Guide lists what needs to be put into your portfolio of evidence for marking (e.g. legal agendas and minutes) and the assessment criteria give further guidance on how to proceed. It is essential you refer to this document whilst compiling your portfolio.

All training providers have hard copies but this link will provide you with the Portfolio Guide and the Assessment Criteria.

Who is the Chief Verifier and what does he do?

The Chief Verifier is Mr Frank Johnston LLB (Hons) Barrister-at-Law. It is the Chief Verifier's role to manage the work of the verifiers

The Chief Verifier ensures standards are maintained and holds regular training meetings with the verifiers and the NALC training development officer.

Our clerk is qualified through experience and does not see the point in doing CiLCA?

Some clerks may feel this way. However it is important that there is a national standard and all clerks are encouraged to take part. Hopefully clerks will see this in its wider context and will appreciate that in taking part, they are helping to develop and promote a good standard in local councils and the important role a clerk plays.

How long will it take to compile the portfolio?

For an experienced clerk, we anticipate putting together a portfolio will take between 20 - 40 hours ,over 24 months, there is no requirement to undertake any training, although it is highly recommended.

What is it going to cost?

Registration for the Certificate in Local Council Administration is £70. On top of that you or your council will have to pay for any training you feel necessary to complete the portfolio of evidence. The amount of training you will require will depend on your level of experience and knowledge.

A bursary scheme has been set in place for smaller parish ands Town councils who have an annual turnover of £25,000 of less. More information on the Bursary Scheme can be found from this link- Bursary page. Training is an investment that could save the council money in the long run.

My council refuses to pay for me to do any training. What can I do?

As an employer, your council ought to pay for any necessary training. All councils, however small, should have a training budget for the clerk and for councillors if they are to operate effectively. Understandably some small councils with limited budgets may believe that they are not in a position to afford this training.

In a few circumstances, there may be help available. As mentioned there is a Clerk's Training Bursary Scheme for small Parish and Town councils.