Every parish and town council has a legal duty to ensure its staff and volunteers receive appropriate training to meet statutory obligations. However, the level and scope of training should reflect the size of the council, the number of employees, and the complexity of its activities.
Statutory vs Mandatory Training
Statutory training is required by law to ensure compliance with legislation, such as Health & Safety or Data Protection. Mandatory training, on the other hand, is set by the council to meet its own standards or policies. While not legally required, it supports best practice and risk management.
What Training Does the Law Require?
Core statutory areas include:
Data Protection – All staff handling data must complete basic training, with additional modules for those managing sensitive information.
Health & Safety – Adequate training for the role is essential, covering risk management and workplace safety.
Fire Safety & Display Screen Equipment – Induction training and refreshers when workstations change.
Sexual Harassment Awareness – Compliance with the Worker Protection (Sexual Harassment) Act 2024.
Emergency First Aid – Based on a needs assessment; not always mandatory for homeworkers but strongly recommended for council event organisers.
Scaling Training to Council Size
Smaller Councils (typically any council with a less-than-full-time clerk) should focus on essentials. Training can often be tailored to suit the council’s size and activity. For larger councils with more staff and complex operations, a structured programme is vital. This includes advanced modules, refresher schedules, and specialist courses.
The Importance of Recording Training
Completing training is only half the job; recording it is critical. Insurers often require evidence that staff have been trained, and failure to keep accurate records can lead to serious consequences.
A council faced a liability claim after an incident involving display screen equipment. Although staff had received training, there was no documented proof. The insurer refused to cover the claim, leaving the council to absorb legal costs and compensation. Recording training protects your council against insurance disputes, regulatory investigations, and legal claims for negligence. A simple training matrix and signed attendance records can make all the difference.
How Northants CALC Can Help
Councils of all sizes can turn to us for:
Training delivery – tailored to statutory requirements and scaled to your council’s size and activities.
Advice and guidance – helping you understand what’s essential and what’s proportionate.
Training matrices – to map out who needs what training and when, ensuring compliance without unnecessary complexity.
Our aim is to make statutory training practical, achievable and not onerous, so you can focus on serving your community while meeting your legal obligations.
Contact mreilly@northantscalc.gov.uk to discuss your statutory training needs.