Training Courses
Introduction
One of the primary aims of the AEA is the personal development of its Members through its qualifications and training programme. To meet this aim a comprehensive range of courses has been developed covering topics relevant to members’ day-to-day work which complements the Qualification syllabus, and based on needs identified through an annual survey. All courses are delivered by AEA accredited trainers with a wealth of experience as practitioners and who are up to date with current thinking and developing good practice. Many of them have obtained AEA qualifications at Certificate or Diploma level.
Training is offered at various geographical locations across the country, usually as a one-day course - though more in-depth residential courses are available as well as shorter workshop-style events. A variety of delivery styles are used with an emphasis on participation, often through group discussions, to encourage the development and sharing of good practice.
Training is at the heart of the Association's existence. It enables members to keep up to date with new developments, introduces topics for those Members new to the profession and acts as a reminder for those longer serving members. Training helps to set, and maintain, high standards of electoral administration for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Association’s national Training Manager is responsible for delivery of its training programme.
General information about AEA courses
All courses are delivered by AEA accredited trainers with a wealth of experience as practitioners and who are up to date with current thinking and developing good practice. Many of the trainers have obtained AEA qualifications at Certificate or Diploma level.
Courses of 1, 2 and 4 days' duration are held at various locations across the country on a range of subjects. All courses provide delegates with knowledge and guidance on relevant legislation, procedures and good practice. They also provide opportunities for the exchange of experiences and ideas during group discussions. When attending most courses delegates will be provided with appropriate course notes and other documentation for future reference.
Training Contacts
| Training matters | John Owen, Training Manager | 07545 939190 | john.owen@aea-elections.co.uk |
| Administration of training courses | Tasha Davis | 07809 556354 | tasha.davis @aea-elections.co.uk |
Information and contacts regarding the AEA Qualifications (including the Foundation Course) can be found here.
Calendar of Courses/Events
Please note that the Foundation Course is part of the AEA Qualification and further details are available here.
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Electoral Arrangements One-day course 3rd February - Birmingham
Given the ever increasing complexity of electoral law and practice and their inter-relationships with other parts of the democratic process, this one-day course module (based on the AEA's Diploma syllabus) is aimed at filling a gap for managers and/or experienced administrators. Click here for details and an application form. |
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Elections 2012 Two-day residential course Ramada, Chester - 6th/7th February 2012 This is an intense course which, over 2 days, provides the time and opportunity to examine the whole election process in depth. It is essential for anyone who has not been involved with the organisation of an election before and (given the number of recent changes to legislation) will be of great benefit to experienced staff. It will provide delegates with knowledge of the legal background and practical methods involved in election administration. Topical advice will be given throughout the sessions on dealing with combined polls. The tutors will refer to their own experiences and will offer guidance and advice based on their practical knowledge as well as on developing good practice. Residential courses provide an excellent opportunity to network with other administrators and share views, ideas and experiences. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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May 2012 Elections One-day course 28th February – Camden
This one-day course will focus on the key points to be considered to ensure the efficient and effective organisation of local elections in May 2012. As such it is intended mainly as a refresher for experienced administrators. It will provide a good overview for less experienced staff including those with a managerial responsibility for the service. All the main election procedures will be covered, in addition to any new or topical arrangements. Combined polls will be covered throughout the day, as necessary. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Management and Finance One-day course 5th March - Camden
Given the ever increasing complexity of electoral law and practice and their inter-relationships with other parts of the democratic process, this one-day course module (based on the AEA's Diploma syllabus) is aimed at filling a gap for managers and/or experienced administrators. Click here for details and an application form. |
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Being a Returning Officer in 2012 Half-day course 12th March – Camden Anyone appointed as Returning Officer is ultimately responsible for the proper conduct of the election. Do they fully understand the personal responsibility and liability they hold? These half-day sessions (delivered by John Turner) will be limited to small groups and are aimed at Returning Officer level (e.g. Chief Executives or other senior officers appointed to that post) who may wish to be accompanied by their Electoral Services Manager and/or DROs. The programme will take attendees through their legal and procedural responsibilities as well as providing practical advice on the key things to look out for and guidance on potential problems that may arise. John has a wealth of experience of all types of elections at a high level. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Postal Vote Opening 2012 One-day workshop 15th March – Camden The administration of postal voting is almost equivalent to running a separate election and obviously requires proper project management. Ideal for those who have been given specific responsibility for this task, the day will cover all the legislative and practical aspects and highlight good practice in this potentially complex subject, including where polls are combined. It will be run in the form of a workshop as it takes attendees through practical scenarios that may be faced during opening sessions. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Annual Canvass 2012 One-day course 22nd May – Coventry
This 1 day course, as well as considering options for undertaking annual canvass procedures, will consider good practice and guidance on methods for ensuring that as complete and accurate a register as possible is produced. The focus this year will be on any changes and challenges for the canvass presented by the forthcoming Police & Crime Commissioner elections - particularly if the register publication date is brought forward. On that basis it will be of interest to all electoral administrators regardless of experience level. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Electoral Registration 2012 Two-day course 11th to 12th June – Barceló Shrigley Hall Hotel, Cheshire This residential course will cover all aspects of electoral registration, including the annual canvass, monthly updates, special category electors and absent voting applications. The course is timed prior to the commencement of the annual canvass process in the autumn and will provide delegates with a detailed understanding of all the processes involved. Delegates will be updated on legislation and be provided with practical guidance and developing good practice. The new challenges for registration in the run up to the forthcoming Police & Crime Commissioner elections - particularly if the publication date is brought forward - will be considered in depth. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Annual Canvass 2012 One-day course 15th June – Camden This 1 day course, as well as considering options for undertaking annual canvass procedures, will consider good practice and guidance on methods for ensuring that as complete and accurate a register as possible is produced. The focus this year will be on any changes and challenges for the canvass presented by the forthcoming Police & Crime Commissioner elections - particularly if the register publication date is brought forward. On that basis it will be of interest to all electoral administrators regardless of experience level. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Police & Crime Commissioner Elections One-day course 1st June - Birmingham
This one-day course will focus on the key points to be considered to ensure the efficient and effective organisation of these elections in 2012. All the main election procedures will be covered, including the arrangements for counting the votes under the Supplementary Vote system. Experienced and less-experienced administrators (and managers who require an overview of the process) will all benefit from attendance. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Police & Crime Commissioner Elections: Verification and Count One-day course 28th June – Bury St Edmunds This is a detailed course, which deals with these two crucial exercises and highlights the key points for consideration and resolution. Getting this bit right is vital and well worth spending time looking at the detail of the work involved. The new requirement for a count under the SV system will be examined and procedural options explored in detail. The course is suitable for staff who may be given responsibility for specific aspects of the verification and counting procedures as well as members of the electoral services team and managers with overall responsibility. It is a practical course that will provide valuable knowledge of the whole process as well as guidance on issues which will need to be addressed. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Police & Crime Commissioner Elections: Verification and Count One-day course 2nd July - Birmingham
This is a detailed course, which deals with these two crucial exercises and highlights the key points for consideration and resolution. Getting this bit right is vital and well worth spending time looking at the detail of the work involved. The new requirement for a count under the SV system will be examined and procedural options explored in detail. The course is suitable for staff who may be given responsibility for specific aspects of the verification and counting procedures as well as members of the electoral services team and managers with overall responsibility. It is a practical course that will provide valuable knowledge of the whole process as well as guidance on issues which will need to be addressed. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Postal Vote Opening 2012 One-day workshop 6th July – Cambourne The administration of postal voting is almost equivalent to running a separate election and obviously requires proper project management. Ideal for those who have been given specific responsibility for this task, the day will cover all the legislative and practical aspects and highlight good practice in this potentially complex subject, including where polls are combined. It will be run in the form of a workshop as it takes attendees through practical scenarios that may be faced during opening sessions. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Elections 2012 Two-day residential course 10th - 11th July – Marriott Hotel, Peterborough This is an intense course which, over 2 days, provides the time and opportunity to examine the whole election process in depth. It is essential for anyone who has not been involved with the organisation of an election before and (given the number of recent changes to legislation) will be of great benefit to experienced staff. It will provide delegates with knowledge of the legal background and practical methods involved in election administration. The summer 2012 event will have a focus on the P & CC elections. The tutors will refer to their own experiences and will offer guidance and advice based on their practical knowledge as well as on developing good practice. Click here for further details and an application form. |
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Postal Vote Opening 2012 One-day workshop 12th September – Coventry
The administration of postal voting is almost equivalent to running a separate election and obviously requires proper project management. Ideal for those who have been given specific responsibility for this task, the day will cover all the legislative and practical aspects and highlight good practice in this potentially complex subject, including where polls are combined. It will be run in the form of a workshop as it takes attendees through practical scenarios that may be faced during opening sessions. Click here for further details and an application form. |