|
|
|
County Association Partner Bulletin
August 2026
|
|
|
|
|
Bringing you the latest training updates and reminders of upcoming courses.
|
|
|
|
|
Preparing for the 2027 elections
Many counties will have elections in May 2027. While they may still feel a long way off, the councils that get the best outcomes are those that start engaging with their communities now. Building awareness of what the council does, strengthening public perceptions and encouraging people to consider becoming councillors all take time. These practical courses will help councils lay the foundations now, making the time leading up to the elections more effective and less reactive.
|
|
|
|
|
Boosting your council's identity: How to promote your council
|
|
A council that is well understood is more likely to be trusted, supported and valued by its community. This practical session will help you create a clear, consistent identity that explains who your council is, what it does and why it matters. You'll leave with practical ideas to increase visibility, strengthen public confidence and ensure your communications work harder - well before the election conversations begin.
Next dates: 17 Sep and 18 Nov
|
|
|
How councils can recruit a more diverse pool of councillors
|
|
Finding people willing to stand for election doesn't start when nominations open - it starts months beforehand. This session explores practical ways to raise awareness of the councillor's role, challenge misconceptions and encourage a wider range of people to get involved. You'll come away with realistic approaches that can help build a stronger, more representative pipeline of future councillors.
Next date: 13 Oct, 10 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for more election support?
We recognise that every county association is different, and the support your member councils need varies too. If you're already thinking about how you'll help councils prepare for elections, we'd love to explore how we can support you.
Whether it's training, webinars, practical resources, bespoke sessions or something completely different, we're keen to work in partnership to complement the support you provide yourselves. For an informal chat, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We're also currently asking councils what support they would find most valuable. If you're able to share our short survey with your members, we'd be hugely grateful. We'll happily share the headline findings with you too, helping us all understand what councils are looking for and where support can make the biggest difference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
August
03 | 10:30 | Data Protection: Part 1
04 | 10:30 | Communicating with the Community 1
10 | 12:30 | Data Protection: Part 2
17 | 10:30 | Data Protection: Part 3
18 | 13:00 | Communicating with the Community 2
20 | 18:30 | Data Protection for Councillors
24 | 12:30 | Freedom of Information
|
|
|
September
02 | 10:00 | Engaging with Young People
03 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 1
07 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 1
08 | 10:00 | Social Media: Getting Started
09 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 2
10 | 10:00 | Communicating with the Community 1
14 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 2
15 | 18:30 | Social Media for Councillors
16 | 13:00 | Local and Regional Media
17 | 10:00 | Boosting your Council's Identity
17 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 3
21 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 3
22 | 10:00 | Social Media: Advanced
28 | 18:30 | Data Protection for Councillors
|
|
|
|
|
October
05 | 11:00 | Data Protection: Part 1
05 | 13:00 | Communicating with the Community 2
05 | 18:30 | Data Protection for Councillors
07 | 10:00 | Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
08 | 13:00 | Canva: Getting Started
12 | 11:00 | Data Protection: Part 2
12 | 14:30 | Freedom of Information
13 | 10:00 | Recruiting Councillors
15 | 10:00 | Canva: Advanced
19 | 11:00 | Data Protection: Part 3
20 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 1
21 | 10:00 | Dealing with Difficult People
22 | 18:30 | Chairing Meetings Effectively
22 | 09:30 | Crisis Communications
|
|
|
November
02 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 1
05 | 10:00 | Social Media: Getting Started
09 | 10:00 | Communicating with your Community 1
09 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 2
10 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 1
11 | 10:00 | Engaging with Young People
14 | 10:00 | Social Media: Advanced
16 | 13:00 | Data Protection: Part 3
18 | 10:00 | Boosting your Council's Identity
19 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 2
25 | 10:00 | Local and Regional Media
25 | 18:30 | Data Protection: Part 3
26 | 18:30 | Social Media for Councillors
30 | 18:30 | Data Protection for Councillors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dan has over two decades of experience training local government professionals, elected members and volunteers. His expertise focuses on giving councils the voice they deserve, helping them communicate clearly and demonstrate their value whilst building stronger connections with their communities.
Having previously served as a councillor, Dan is passionate about helping councils break down barriers, involve more local people and encourage a wider range of people to stand for election.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What happens after training?
|
|
|
Attending training is only the first step. The real value comes from putting new ideas into practice and sharing learning across the council. Breakthrough Communications has published a practical article with simple tips to help councils turn training into lasting improvements, from choosing the right session to involving colleagues and following up afterwards. Whether you've recently attended training or are planning future development, it's well worth a read.
|
|
|
|
|
Need an opinion on a council issue?
|
|
|
If you're dealing with a communications, data protection or FOI challenge, Breakthrough Communications has published an article that reminds us of the importance of seeking advice sooner rather than later.
Remember, councils in NALC membership can access free expert advice through NALC's partnership with Breakthrough Communications. Whether you need help interpreting guidance, talking through a difficult request, or understanding your options, sometimes a short conversation is all it takes to move forward with confidence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CALC Reminders:
- View your members' bookings via the CALC Portal.
- Please direct all training-related queries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
|
|
