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Season 15 has landed at the Scribe Academy! We’re back with an action-packed lineup of expert speakers, practical workshops, and essential training to help your council stay compliant, confident and connected.
Whether you're a Clerk, RFO, or Councillor, these sessions are designed to provide you with actionable insights—and the best part? They are completely free.
Take a look at our schedule for April – June 2026 below and secure your spot!
April 2026
Improving Community Engagement Using the Council Website
Discover strategies to maximise website functionality, boost digital interaction, and foster meaningful, two-way engagement with your community. Learn how to transform your online presence into a powerful tool for connecting with residents.
📅 Wednesday 15th April, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Mark Tomkins, Founding Director, Aubergine
May 2026
Unlock the Power of the Big Yellow Book - Your Local Council Bible
Master the "Local Council Bible" in this hands-on, practical workshop designed to help you understand the structure and navigate the 14th edition of Arnold-Baker with speed and precision. With guided exercises and real-world examples, you will gain confidence in using the book to support lawful decision-making and robust governance.
📅 Wednesday 6th May, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
🎓 Julie King, Partner, Norfolk Parish Training and Support
Getting Positive Outcomes from Procurement
Procurement can be dreadful, but it doesn’t have to be! Discover everything from thresholds and levels of detail to attracting the best suppliers and responses. From understanding scoring routes to structuring tender documents, this practical session ensures there is something for everyone looking to turn paperwork into positive outcomes.
📅 Wednesday 13th May, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Tom Sykes, Architect, Client Advisor and Founder of Common Works
Investing Wisely: Key Considerations for Council Funds
Every pound in your council’s reserves represents a future investment in your community - from playground repairs to village hall upkeep. Explore how to protect that future by moving beyond basic bank accounts to a smarter, more diversified investment approach while maintaining strict ethical and safety standards.
📅 Thursday 21st May, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
🎓 Jamie Charters, Relationship Manager, CCLA Investment Management
June 2026
Ponies, Pigs, and Parish Councils: Life in the New Forest National Park
What is it like to manage a council where the "residents" include free-roaming livestock? Discover what life in the New Forest National Park is really like, including the joy of ponies on the doorstep to the practical challenges of managing a village where animals always have the right of way.
📅 Thursday 4th June, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Gale Pettifer, Clerk & Proper Officer, Brockenhurst Parish Council
👉 LINK COMING SOON
Stepping into Local Gov Finance: Accounting Basics for Clerks and RFOs
Discover the basics of local council accounting in this introductory session, covering essential procedures for cashbook management, VAT recording, asset registers, and reserves. Learn best practices to stay on top of your accounts and manage your council’s finances with total confidence.
📅 Wednesday 17th June, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Hannah Driver, Head Accountant, Scribe
From Submission to Sign-Off: Preparing for External Auditor Queries
As we enter the 2025/26 audit season, the spotlight on public money and transparency has never been sharper. Whether you are a first-time Clerk or a seasoned RFO, preparing for the External Audit and potential queries is the difference between a smooth sign-off and a stressful summer.
📅 Thursday 25th June, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Eleanor Greene, Chief Accountant, Do the Numbers Ltd
Why Attend Scribe Academy Sessions?
Scribe Academy is a free resource that provides parish and town council clerks, staff, and councillors with:
- Expert knowledge from industry specialists
- Practical tips you can implement immediately
- Networking opportunities with peers
- Professional development at no cost
- Access to recordings if you can't attend live
How to Join
All Scribe Academy sessions are free to attend and held online via Zoom. To participate:
- Click the registration link for your chosen session
- Complete the simple registration form
- You'll receive a confirmation email with the zoom meeting link
- Join us on the day!
About Scribe
Scribe is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for parish and town councils across England and Wales. Our suite of products includes Scribe Accounts, Scribe Cemetery, Scribe Bookings, Scribe Allotments, and Civic.ly. With 1,500 customers and growing at 30% year on year, we're committed to supporting local councils with tools that make administration simpler and more efficient.
Don't miss out on these valuable learning opportunities! Register today and invest in your council's development.
For more information about Scribe Academy or our products, please contact our team at hello@scribeaccounts.com.
