CiLCA 2026

Certificate in Local Council Administration

DALC’s CiLCA training will be delivered using the new CiLCA portfolio introduced by SLCC.   , and all candidates beginning in 2026 will work towards this new version.

This 8 Session course, over 16 hours, supports students in gaining the knowledge to complete the qualification. It assists them in building their portfolio and gives guidance and support along the way.

As CiLCA is based on the day-to-day and annual activities of a Town or Parish Clerk /Responsible Finance Officer (RFO), it should be viewed as a test of your knowledge and experience, rather than a learning. It is often advised that officers be in post for approximately 12 months before attempting CiLCA, so they have the experience of the full council year as a foundation for their understanding and portfolio. Previous experience in related fields (e.g. other local government, charity or public body administration) can help with the candidate's state of readiness, and as it's about learning ‘on the job’, the activities needed to complete the portfolio can contribute to the day job too.

CiLCA is an important qualification for Town and Parish Council Officers. Achieving this on behalf of their councils completes part of the criteria to achieve the General Power of Competence.

DALC CiLCA training. Please find the agreed dates below:

• 13th January 2026 Introduction Session 1
• 25th February 2026 Session 2 
• 25th March 2026 Session 3
• 16th April 2026 Session 4
• 13th May 2026  Session 5
• 18th June 2026 Session 6
• 20th July 2026 Session 7
• 18th August 2026 Session 8

This course is delivered by Zoom. Ian Cruise-Taylor will be delivering the sessions. Ian has been in local government for over 50 years and has been a Parish Clerk for 8 years, and has wide-ranging experience of both town and parish councils in Shropshire.