ILCA to CiLCA

What will I learn?

Further your understanding of the legal framework, how a council operates, how responsibilities are allocated and how to manage council activities and finances. The course doesn’t cover every detail but it does give you the advantage and prepare you for studying CiLCA.

1. The Core Roles establishes your place in local government and the duties and responsibilities of the council as a corporate body, individual councillors, the chairman and the clerk. It examines the role of the clerk more closely including the clerk as a researcher, administrator and manager. It stresses good communication skills and the use of information and communications technology.
2. Law and Procedure establishes the council’s legal framework including duties, powers and other statutory requirements. It introduces agendas, minutes, meeting procedures, and the value of standing orders, delegation and committee structures. We note the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), election processes, the standards framework and the need to keep up to date with legislation.
3. Finance introduces the role of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) and proper financial practices, accounts, financial procedures and accounting regulations. We consider budgeting, the precept, audits, insurance, income generation and the management of risk.
4. Management establishes the role of the council and its officers in planning, managing, funding and reviewing projects, services, assets and facilities. It provides guidance on managing staff, contracts and the performance of the council as a whole, stressing the need for on-going training and development.
5. Community is the heart of the matter. You identify community needs and plans; you engage with the planning system and get to know the community well. We introduce community representation, engagement, empowerment and support. We stress partnership working, public relations and raising the council’s profile in the community.