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.
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.
View FullscreenDetailed 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
Advanced Building Resilience, Handling Pressure, Managing Change
Electoral Administration – 4 Day
Employment and Information Governance – Essentials
Key Considerations for Electoral Registration Officers and their Deputies
Local Government Finance and Procurement and Contract Management
Project, Risk and Time Management
Working in a Political Environment
Advanced Building Resilience, Handling Pressure, Managing Change
By the end of this workshop, all delegates will identify how and why stress manifests itself. The session will also help delegates identify tools and techniques that helps to build personal resilience and also understand why we struggle to accept change in our lives. The session will also talk about comfort zones, the importance of them and how to get the best out of yourself and others without burning out. As an advanced session, the workshop will also help delegates to understand how they can support and mentor others with regard to resilience, handling pressure and managing change.
By the end of this programme you will be able to:
· Understand what stress is and why personal resilience is important
· Be able to support your team on matters of stress and personal resilience
· Manage and increase your energy levels and understand how to help others do the same
· Use tools to help manage your emotional state, stay positive and deal with uncertainty
· Recognise pressure levels and understand how to find the optimum pressure levels of others
· Create an action plan to identify how you can help others make a positive difference in the future
· Understand why change takes place and tools required to manage yourself and others through a change programme
12 July 2018 – Camden
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.
Please note: this course will not cover Community Governance Reviews as the AEA run a full day course on that topic.
18 June 2018 – Camden
2 July 2018 – York
10 July 2018 – Preston
Community Governance Reviews
This one-day course will set out the legislative background and official guidance regarding the requirement and powers to undertake reviews.
All the necessary stages of the process will be considered, including: preparation, commencement, consultations, representations, publishing recommendations, electoral arrangements, consequential matters and making Reorganisation of Community Governance Orders.
30 July 2018 – 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 solution.
12 July 2018 – Cambourne
Key Considerations for Electoral Registration Officers and their Deputies
It also covers key processes to maintain the electoral register: HEF and ITR canvassing, hearings and appeals, prosecutions for non-responders; information governance and data sharing; absent voting applications, encouraging participation, using social media for target audiences and effective communications
10 September 2018 – York
13 September 2018 – Camden
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.
Key topics include: 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.
11 June 2018 – Camden
5 July 2018 – Cambourne
Management Modules
The courses will be delivered by AEA accredited trainers (who also have experience as members of the Examining Board) using presentational material, reference to the detailed course notes and group discussions. Numbers will be limited to small groups to ensure attendees’ areas of interest are fully covered. Attendees will be provided with course notes on arrival at the course.
Electoral Law
19 September 2018 – Preston
Electoral Arrangements
5 September 2018 – Preston
Management and Finance
28 September 2018 – Preston
Parish Matters
This one-day course will be wide ranging, covering topics such as parish electoral arrangements, parish reviews, councillors qualifications, the differences between parish council and other elections, parish council casual vacancies, parish meetings and parish polls. Although many aspects of parish elections will be touched on, this course is not intended to cover the delivery of elections in great detail, as this is covered on other AEA courses
2 July 2018 – York
Project and Risk Management
This intermediate level knowledge session is designed for all practising and potential project managers who require in- depth knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles, tools and techniques for successful project management. The session will also provide managers with a solid understanding of risk management and how to manage it.
Following the completion of the course you will be able to:
· Define and scope a project and understand the context for projects in the Portfolio, Programme and Project environments.
· Explain the principles of project management
· Describe project management methods.
· Describe project management tools and techniques used to manage the project
· Understand and explain the necessary people skills appropriate for effective project management
6 September 2018 – Camden
Project, Risk and Time Management
This course is focused on exploring the fundamental principles of successful project management and incorporates a number of easy to apply, effective tools and techniques that, when applied in the workplace, will allow the attendees to become more confident and competent in supporting and managing a project. A number of easy to use checklists are also included.
By the end of the session, delegates will:
· Have all the essential skills, tools, and techniques that they’ll need to support them in project and risk management roles
· Discover practical techniques that can be applied directly to their own workplace
· Gain time management tools
4 September 2018 – Camden
Train the Trainer
A full day session
On this workshop you will learn the essential skills and techniques required to work as an inspirational trainer.
Whether you’re training staff within your organisation or residents, volunteers or councillors, this workshop will cover the essential skill areas, using a highly interactive and practical approach.
By the end of the full day session you will be able to;
· Meet people’s learning needs and expectations
· Make learning and development engaging and memorable
· Handle questions and interruptions
· Understand group dynamics
· Recognise learning styles
· Design training / lesson plans
11 September 2018 – Camden
Working in a Political Environment
Our highly interactive political awareness session is ideal for those new to working in a political environment or for those who may be about to have more direct involvement with elected members. It includes break-outs, interviews, debates and a true insight into the world of councillors.
As well as being delivered by an experienced local government senior manager, the session will also involve a real life politician – a former leader and current LGA Peer who gives the group an incredible insight into the world of the local councillor.
By the end of the session, delegates will be able to:
· Understand the Councillor’s perspective
· Understand Council governance
· Build effective working relationships with Members
· Understand why things can go wrong
20 September 2018 – Camden
Residential Courses
Residential courses provide an excellent opportunity to network with other administrators and share views, ideas and experiences
Electoral Administration – 4 Day
This course follows a comprehensive manual which guides delegates through all key aspects of electoral administration. Using practical exercises to facilitate learning, this residential course engages attendees in exchanging knowledge, experience and ideas.
18-21 June 2018 – Leeds