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9 October 2026
Course Overview
Every Council is required to adopt Standing Orders that set out how it wishes to manage its organisation and conduct its business. While a model set of Standing Orders is available and provides a strong best-practice foundation, not all elements will apply to every Council. Standing Orders must therefore be reviewed and adapted so they accurately reflect your Council’s operational procedures.
This course explores the model Standing Orders in detail—what must be included by law, what can be customised, and how to ensure they work effectively for your Parish or Town Council. Understanding these rules is essential, as Standing Orders guide how the Council manages meetings, procedures, and day-to-day governance.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes
By attending this course, participants will:
- Gain a clear understanding of how Standing Orders can be written to support efficient Council operations.
- Ensure they have an up-to-date version of their Council’s Standing Orders that provides practical guidance for the effective management of meetings, procedures, and Council business.
- Understand how Standing Orders apply to their own Council and why accurate, tailored documentation is essential.
Why Your Council’s Standing Orders Matter
Standing Orders are the foundation for transparent, lawful, and effective governance. They ensure consistency, support good decision-making, and help Councillors and Officers understand their roles and responsibilities. This course helps you ensure that your Standing Orders are relevant, workable, and aligned with legal requirements.
Who Should Attend this course?
- New Clerks
- New Assistant & Deputy Clerks
- Councillors
- Any newly elected Councillor joining a Town or Parish Council
This course is especially beneficial for anyone new to the sector or those updating or reviewing their Council’s Standing Orders.
Course Tutor
Matt Cooke, CiLCA Qualified Clerk, MA, MDX, ARPS, FHEA
Matt has over 30 years’ experience in education teaching across levels from GSCE to master’s degree. Matt is also a qualified teacher in the lifelong learning sector, a teaching fellow of the higher education academy (TFHEA), with a master’s degree with distinction from Middlesex University, as well as being a CiLCA qualified clerk now in his 5th year of Local Government. Many of the skills in academia transfer across to the world of detail of a Clerk, and Matt’s passion is the built environment and planning, challenging the expanding urban sprawl into rural regions.
Cost of Course: Subscribers - £60.00 + VAT, Non-Subscribers - £72.00 + VAT
Delivery Method
- Interactive tutor-led session
- Opportunities for Q&A and discussion
How to book: Please fill out the following booking form and send to- pearlwillcox@councilwise.co.uk.
Light refreshments will be provided.