Qualifications
There are numerous sector-specific qualifications that help parish and town councils operate effectively within the law and properly manage their activities and finances. You should contact your county association to study for any of these qualifications.
The Improvement and Development Board oversees the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), but training is provided locally through recognised trainers. Along with county associations and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), we provide advice, support, and updates on how the qualifications develop for those trainers only. The national awarding body Ascentis awards qualifications at or below Level 3, De Montfort University awards Community Governance, and the University of Gloucestershire awards the MA in Public Leadership.
Discover more about the different courses:
Introduction to Local Council Administration (ILCA)
The Introduction to Local Council Administration (ILCA) is an online sector-specific learning tool designed to support all new parish and town council officers in England and Wales in their roles in the first few months of employment and those aspiring to complete their Level 3 Certificate in Local Council Administration qualification. The course provides an introduction to the work of parish and town councils, councillors and clerks.
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Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA)
The Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA) is an online sector-specific learning tool to support all new responsible financial officers (RFOs) in England and Wales (or officers who have a financial element in their job role). The course provides an introduction to council finance.
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ILCA to CiLCA
This course is specifically designed for students in England and Wales who have completed ILCA and are aspiring to complete the Certificate in Local Council Administration. This online course will provide a strong foundation of knowledge that can be applied to your role, developing your understanding of the legal framework, how a council operates, how responsibilities are allocated, and how to manage parish and town council activities and finances.
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Principles of Internal Auditing Local Councils (PIALC)
The Principles of Internal Auditing Local Councils (PIALC) is an online sector-specific learning tool designed to establish a more regulated and standardised process for internal auditing within parish and town councils. The course covers essential principles and guidelines for effective and efficient internal audit practices. Students will learn to source an independent, competent internal auditor and conduct thorough and objective audits.
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Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
The Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) is a practical, entry-level qualification for the sector, available to all parish and town council councillors and staff. The qualification provides a broad knowledge of all the aspects of a clerk’s work, including roles and responsibilities, the law, procedures, finance planning, and community involvement. CiLCA has been tailored to meet the occupational standards for clerks and chief officers of a parish or town council.
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Community Governance
The Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance is a professional qualification available to all parish and town council councillors, county officers and staff. It builds on the knowledge gained in the CiLCA.
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The Level 5 Foundation Degree in Community Governance and Level 6 BA Honours Degree are professional qualifications that develop the knowledge already gained from studying the Community Governance qualification.
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MA in Public Leadership
The Level 7 Masters in Public Leadership qualification is a two-year part-time, distance learning course designed for graduate parish and town council officers. It is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to address community leadership challenges in our demanding political climate. The focus is on collaborating with partners on innovative projects, empowering local communities, improving public services and driving forward policy development.