Introduction
St Columb Major Town Council is committed to ensuring that its Councillors, Town Clerk, other staff and volunteers are provided with the training they require to ensure they can carry out their duties to the best of their abilities, and are up to date with all current legislation. The Council recognises that its most important resources are its staff, volunteers and Councillors, and is committed to encouraging the enhancement of their knowledge and qualifications through appropriate training and development.
A training budget will be allocated to enable attendance at any relevant training and conferences throughout the year.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of St Columb Major Town Council that all training should ensure that the Council has the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve its objectives.
The Town Clerk is responsible for either procuring or, occasionally, providing the necessary training to ensure that all those working or volunteering for the Council are suitably equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil their duties to the Parish and its residents.
Membership of SLCC
The Council will retain membership of the SLCC in order that all training opportunities can be accessed.
Training and Development Activity
All Councillors will be:
- issued with copies of the Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Code of Conduct, policies of the Council and any other information which is deemed relevant;
- given an electronic copy of The Good Councillors’ Guide (hard copies are also available);
- emailed all updates and newsletters that the Clerk receives and deems relevant;
- encouraged to attend appropriate Cornwall Council training courses;
- circulated any other training course details which may enhance their position.
The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor are also encouraged to attend chairmanship courses, where available.
The Town Clerk / RFO will be:
- provided with a contract of employment, which sets out clear objectives and expectations;
- receive an annual employment and salary review;
- encouraged to attend all relevant SLCC clerks’ training courses;
- expected to gain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) (Level 3);
- undertake any other training relevant to the proficient discharge of his or her duties, such as IT, legal powers, finance and planning, which might be identified through regular training needs assessments;
- encouraged to attend relevant local meetings such as Clerks’ fora and briefings;
- able to subscribe to relevant publications and advice services, including the SLCC and NALC;
- provided with all relevant publications such as the Local Council Administration reference book and the SLCC Clerks’ Manual;
- given regular feedback from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on his or her performance;
- entitled to paid study leave, in order to work towards qualifications.
Training Needs Identification
Training requirements for Councillors will usually be identified by themselves, the Mayor and the Town Clerk. Opportunities to attend courses will be investigated by the Town Clerk and brought to the attention of the Full Council.
Training needs for the Town Clerk will be identified through the recruitment process, formal and informal discussions, his or her annual appraisal and changes in legislation.
The Town Clerk is expected to keep up to date with developments in the sector and highlight to the Council any training required.
The Town Ranger will be required to undergo all training recommended by the Council’s Health & Safety consultant. Additional training needs will be discerned on an ad hoc basis, as well as during the Ranger’s annual appraisal.
Library staff will undergo such training as the Library Manager deems appropriate. Additional training needs will be discerned during annual appraisals.
Volunteer training needs will be discerned during the recruitment process and on an ad hoc basis.
Resourcing Training
A review will be undertaken annually during the budget process to ascertain any weaknesses or potential areas of improvement that the Council could address through training.
Budgets will be put in place and agreed to cover qualifications, training courses, annual subscriptions and purchasing of relevant publications.
Evaluation and Review of Training
The Town Clerk will maintain an updated training record for all Councillors, him- or herself, staff and volunteers.
Adopted by the Full Council 12th May 2026
For review by Full Council, May 2027
(To be reviewed annually, or sooner, should legislation so require).