Customised Support for Councils
Tailored Solutions for Effective Governance
We are dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of local councils through our bespoke training and consultancy services. Our team of experienced professionals offers insightful guidance that addresses both the immediate challenges faced by councils and their long-term developmental goals. By understanding the unique context of each council, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to meet specific needs, fostering successful outcomes in local governance and community initiatives.
Whether you join a sector training programme, request tailored training, or engage us for consultancy, our focus is always the same: helping councils work more confidently, effectively and efficiently - all focussed on delivering the best level of service for local residents.
Partner with us to unlock the full potential of your council and community.
Sector Training Courses
We deliver structured, sector aligned training both through County Associations of Local Councils and through open sessions available for direct booking via this website.
These courses provide accessible, cost effective development for clerks, officers and councillors.
In-Person & Online
Tailored Council Training
We provide fully customised training for councils that need development designed around their own priorities, team structure and experience level.
Whether for councillors or officers, one-to-one or a group, we can tailor our training around your specific needs. Please enquire for more details.
In-Person & Online
Consultancy & Support
We offer practical support to help councils strengthen governance, improve operations and work more effectively.
Our offer is fully customised to your needs; whether you need a fixed-term support to meet a defined scope or project, or ongoing support and advice throughout the year.
In-Person & Online
Sector Training Courses
We deliver a range of structured, sector‑aligned training programmes for councils of all sizes. These sessions are delivered both through County Associations of Local Councils (CALCs) and through open sessions available for direct booking via this website.
Current Training Courses
A Clerk & Councillor's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
This introduction shows how AI can genuinely support local council work. Participants explore what AI is and its benefits, learn where AI can make the biggest impact, and review real tools - both free and paid - through demonstrations and guided discussion.
You'll learn prompt craft, risk management, ethics, accessibility, and inclusive use of AI with the use of real-council case studies. This course is suitable for council officers and councillors, and includes content for effective use of AI for all in the sector.
Taking the "GRRR" out of AGAR! Preparation for the Financial Year End
This focused session helps Clerks, RFOs and Councillors prepare for year‑end with confidence. It explores common issues raised by internal and external auditors, highlights key steps for year‑end accuracy, and provides clarity on essential assurance requirements to avoid common pitfalls.
The course includes updates to the AGAR and Practitioners’ Guide. It supports councils in strengthening compliance, improving financial processes, and surviving audit and AGAR submission.
Growing your Local Identity: Telling Your Community's Story
Every parish or town has a story - but many struggle to communicate it. This practical session helps councils identify what makes their place distinctive and how to present that story clearly to residents, partners and visitors.
Participants explore local heritage, community assets, visual identity and engagement techniques, and learn how to use narrative to support pride, participation and positive perception of their area. This course is open to both council officers and councillors.
Managing Projects for Town & Parish
Councils
A practical course that takes you from idea to delivery with clear governance, a live Project Initiation Document (PID), realistic budgeting and funding preparation, proportionate procurement, and robust delivery control.
You’ll learn how to engage residents, manage change so outcomes stick, and protect projects with simple risk and assurance tools - backed by ready‑to‑use templates. Ideal for clerks, councillors and working groups, especially as more and more is expected of our sector.
“Objection!”: Understanding the Planning System & Writing Effective Representations
A clear, practical introduction to the English planning system designed specifically for parish and town councils. This course builds confidence in understanding how planning works, avoiding governance pitfalls, reading and assessing applications, and drafting strong, policy‑linked representations that influence decisions.
You’ll learn how national, local and neighbourhood planning frameworks fit together, what makes a material consideration, and how to structure effective comments that carry real weight with your planning authority.
Whether you are new to planning or want to strengthen your council’s approach, this course provides the essential legislative context, good‑governance principles, practical assessment frameworks and ready‑to‑use templates used across the sector, along with an overview of upcoming changes to national policy and legislation.
Tailored Council Training
We provide fully customised training solutions designed around the unique needs, priorities and working practices of each council. Tailored training is ideal for councils seeking focused development for clerks, officers, councillors or committees, and for councils wanting a programme that directly reflects their local context and challenges.
Our approach is practical, supportive and grounded in the realities of council operations - delivering training that strengthens confidence, improves governance and enables better day‑to‑day working.
1. Initial Discussion
A brief conversation to understand your needs, priorities and desired outcomes.
2. Training Proposal
A tailored plan covering content, format, delivery method and materials.
3. Session Delivery
A supportive, practical and interactive session designed around your council.
4. Feedback & Follow-Up
Additional sessions, resources, templates or advisory support as needed.
Benefits of Tailored Training
- Directly relevant to your council’s needs, culture and processes
- Confidential and supportive
- Encourages stronger teamworking between councillors and officers
- Builds capability and confidence for clerk and officer roles
- Improves governance, documentation and decision‑making
- Helps councils manage change, growth or periods of transition
Because sessions are built around your council, training is more effective, more engaging and more immediately useful than generic alternatives.
Consultancy & Support
We provide practical, sector‑aware consultancy and support to help councils work more confidently and effectively. Whether you need help with governance, processes, documentation, meetings, financial management, or general operational improvement, we offer flexible support shaped around the realities of council work.
Our aim is to give council officers and councillors clear, confidence‑building guidance that delivers real improvements without adding pressure.
Project-Based Consultancy
For councils needing a clear, time‑limited piece of work with defined outcomes.
Examples include:
- Governance or process reviews
- Meeting and committee improvement
- Policy and documentation development
- AGAR and year‑end readiness support
- Operational troubleshooting
- Short‑term capacity assistance during busy periods or transition
This option provides structure, clarity and a focused result, with recommendations and improvements tailored directly to your council.
Ongoing & Advisory Services
For councils wanting regular access to dependable guidance throughout the year.
This can include:
- Monthly or quarterly advisory sessions
- Day‑to‑day operational advice
- Planning and prioritisation support
- Review of documents, reports or procedures
- Continued support following training
- A reliable, approachable point of contact for clerks and officers
Ongoing support gives councils continuity, reassurance and a trusted advisor to turn to whenever challenges arise.
Why Councils Choose Us
- Clear understanding of local government operations
- Practical, jargon‑free advice
- Supportive, friendly and easy to work with
- Flexible delivery built around your council’s needs
- Focus on confidence, clarity and tangible improvements
“Lewis provided exactly the support our council needed as I took on my new role. Their guidance was practical, approachable and tailored to the way we work, helping us improve our processes and feel more confident in our governance responsibilities.”
Clerk & RFO
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, or wish to engage our services, please feel free to reach out. Below, we can be accessed by email, telephone or LinkedIn, alongside our contact form.