Course Details
The calendar below shows all the courses that have been arranged for the next few months – there is a download option so you can get your own PDF copy if you wish. Our aim is to keep it updated on a month-by-month basis so you’ll always be able to see the courses that are available.
Click the course name for details of the course, the venue name to be taken to information relating to that specific venue, and ‘Book now’ to access the course booking form.
Detailed information will be published here as it becomes available; those for which we already have full details are included in the (alphabetical) list below, in each item of which is a link to those details, including flyers and booking forms, which are also available via the calendar.
It is worth mentioning that, as course fees include VAT at 20%, local authority budgets would only bear the nett cost, and central government funded elections and referendums (via the Cabinet Office) include provision to cover costs of “relevant training”.
Booking forms are available via the links underneath the dates and venues (and in the calendar above).
Non-members wishing to join the Association (£47.50 plus VAT) may complete and submit the online application form available via this page.
If delegates from the same Authority wish to attend the same course but on different dates/at different venues please indicate clearly on the booking form.
If you have any questions about any of the courses, please use the Training Enquiry Form.
Course booking terms and conditions
If you cannot attend, a substitute from your local authority may attend in your place, otherwise the following cancellation charges apply:
- Less than two weeks before the event 100%.
- Less than four weeks before the event 60%
- More than four weeks before the event £20.
If for any reason within the control of the AEA, a course is cancelled a full refund or credit will be made.
Training Courses
Developing Personal Resilience
Employment and Information Governance – Essentials
Introduction to Electoral Services
Key Considerations for Returning Officers and their deputies
Working in a Political Environment
4 Day Electoral Administration
Absent Voting
Key topics include – Absent vote applications, Election time proxy voting, the issue of postal votes, cancelled, lost and spoilt postal votes, the opening of postal votes and post-election requirements
10 February 2020 – Coventry
18 February 2020 – York
26 February 2020 – Andover
2 March 2020 – Blaby
12 March 2020 – Preston
20 March 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
Boundary Reviews
This course will identify the different ways that boundaries may change from parliamentary constituencies down to polling district level. The attendees will be introduced to the legislation and guidance for each type of review. Examples of dealing with boundary anomalies, discussion of local issues and good practice tips all aim to provide a clear understanding of the processes involved.
27 January 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
Developing Personal Resilience
Personal resilience is arguably the most important resource for coping well during challenging times. This training course introduces delegates to skills that will increase their confidence in their ability to bounce back from the many pressures and adversities they encounter in today’s workplace. They are reminded that a key aspect of being resilient is accepting that change frequently creates opportunities as well as problems to be solved.
17 January 2020 – York
28 January 2020 – Andover
13 February 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
20 February 2020 – Preston
Elections 2020
All main election procedures will be covered in addition to any new or topical arrangements. The course provides guidance across all election elements allowing new staff an overview and provide a refresher for experienced staff to identify efficient and effective organisation and exchange good practise examples.
14 February 2020 – York
17 February 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
25 February 2020 – Andover
27 February 2020 – Preston
Employment and Information Governance Essentials
A one-day course that concentrates on the duties and responsibilities when employing staff and handling electoral data and information. The course will consider the impact these duties have on the electoral services team and good practice solutions.
16 January 2020 – York
Introduction to Electoral Services
To provide an overview of the work of Electoral Services teams including both elections and electoral registration.
Content:
- What do electoral services do the other 364 days a year?
- What governs the work electoral services does?
- The role of the ERO and RO • Electoral Registration – including overview, registration deadlines, registration throughout the year, the annual canvass and publishing the register
- Elections – including cycles of elections, nominations and ballot papers, polling stations and staffing, different methods of voting, postal votes, polling day, the count and post-election responsibilities
- The benefits of a whole Council event approach
- Other work electoral services must complete
24 January 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
21 February 2020 – York
10 March 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
Key Considerations for Returning Officers and their deputies
It also covers key election processes: from an outline of the candidate nominations process to practical exercises on the production and checking of ballot papers, the verification of signatures and dates of birth on returned postal voting statements and the adjudication of ballot papers not marked by voters in accordance with the instructions. Note: in relation to the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May 2020, this course will focus on the role of the local Returning Officer rather than the Police Area Returning Officer.
13 January 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
24 January 2020 – Preston
30 January 2020 – York
12 February 2020 – Andover
10 March 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
25 March 2020 – Cambourne
Maintaining the Register
This Course will focus on approaches and processes for effectively maintaining the register throughout the year, including during the canvass and in the run-up to an election.
The use of local data; ways of reaching under-registered or difficult-to-reach groups; the effective use of canvassers; reviews of registration and deletions; particular considerations at election time.
21 October 2019 – York
Parish Matters
This one-day course will be wide ranging, covering topics such as parish electoral arrangements, councillors qualifications, the differences between parish council and other elections, parish council casual vacancies, parish meetings and parish polls.
27 January 2020 – Andover
2 March 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
The Verification and Count
This course will focus on the supplementary vote system used at Police and Crime Commissioner and mayoral elections, but will also provide some understanding of first-past-the-post elections with single or multi-member vacancies.
4 March 2020 – Camden -Crowndale Centre
9 March 2020 – Coventry
17 March 2020 – Preston
19 March 2020 – Andover
27 March 2020 – York
31 March 2020 – Wigan
Working in a Political Environment
This course is aimed at those new to working in a political environment or for those who may be about to have more direct involvement with elected members and who wish to improve their understanding of the roles of Members and Officers and to develop their political awareness.
Topics:
• Members and Officers – differences and similarities
• Understanding the different roles of Members
• The Political context
• Skills and behaviours for working effectively in a political environment
• Protocols and codes of conduct
• Case studies
• Surgery – an opportunity for delegates to raise issues from their own Authorities
• Learning points and action planning
24 January 2020 – Camden – Crowndale Centre
Residential Courses
Residential courses provide an excellent opportunity to network with other administrators and share views, ideas and experiences
4 Day Electoral Administration
This course is designed for those who have a good knowledge of electoral administration but are looking for a more comprehensive understanding behind processes and want to identify ways of improving service delivery. It is a recommended as a revision tool for those undertaking the Certificate in Electoral Administration.
20 – 23 January 2020 – Nottingham
2 Day Electoral Registration
This course is designed for those who have a good knowledge of electoral registration but are looking for a more comprehensive understanding behind processes and want to identify ways of improving service delivery. It is a recommended as a revision tool for those undertaking the Certificate in Electoral Administration.
20 – 21 January 2020 – Nottingham
2 Day Elections
This course follows a comprehensive manual which guides delegates through all key aspects of election management.
Using practical exercises to facilitate learning, this residential course engages attendees in exchanging knowledge, experience and ideas.
22 – 23 January 2020 – Nottingham
We have previously been asked to look to provide courses that address skills such as communications and people management and as a result have formed a partnership with Breckland Training Services (BTS). Working with our colleagues at BTS, we have devised three training pathways for AEA members to address these training needs along with the core business of running electoral services.
Development Pathway for New/Inexperienced Electoral Administrators
This programme of courses is designed for those new to electoral services and local government. It aims to provide a good overview that enables delegates to understand the primary elements relating to electoral processes as well as helping them develop key skills for the workplace.
Leadership Development Pathway for Aspiring Electoral Services Managers
We recognise the importance of providing those who become technically competent in the delivery of electoral services the opportunity to take the next step in their career. Given the turnover of Electoral Services staff, it is important that they understand and can interpret the detailed legislation that leads to key decisions being made and how to manage individuals, relationships and teams.
Leadership Development Pathway for Aspiring Local Government Senior Managers
In the current local government landscape, we know many Electoral Services Managers are asked to take on additional responsibilities and we also understand that many have ambitions at working at a senior level. This pathway supports delegates to develop as leaders and understand the wider functions of their Council, its services and the pressures being faced in the sector.
Details on each pathway can be found here and course dates and booking arrangements are on the current page. If you would like any further information on the new Training Pathways or any of the courses contained in the pathways please email training@aea-elections.co.uk.