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Welcome to Season 17 of Scribe Academy! 🎉
We’ve got another fantastic season of webinars lined up, bringing together expert speakers, experienced Clerks and practical insights to help local councils navigate the challenges — and opportunities — ahead.
From budgeting and setting the precept to VAT, parish audit and community engagement, Season 17 covers a wide range of topics designed to support Clerks, RFOs, councillors and council staff in their roles.
We’ll also be exploring some exciting new ideas, including the creation of a Clerk apprenticeship and how councils can develop new pathways into the profession. And, of course, we’ll finish the season with our much-loved Scribemas Christmas Party Webinar! 🎄🎁
Whether you’re new to local government, looking to refresh your knowledge, or simply keen to learn from others working in the sector, there’s something for everyone this season.
Take a look at what’s coming up and register for your favourite sessions below!
Sign up to receive notifications of all free, upcoming webinars!
October 2026
Forecasting, Budgeting & Setting the Precept for Local Councils
Budgeting provides essential financial accountability for local councils, but it shouldn't be a source of stress. Ideal for new Clerks, RFOs and councillors, or those wanting a refresher, this session will provide an introduction to the budgeting basics, including the process of forecasting, calculating the precept and the importance of monitoring the budget regularly.
📅 Tuesday 20th October, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Hannah Driver, Head Accountant, Scribe
Community Engagement: Kindness Is a Strategy, Not a Nice-to-Have
Discover how Stotfold Town Council turned resident sentiment around—boosting positive scores from 20% to 53% in four years—by placing kindness at the heart of their communication strategy. Learn how leading with empathy and honesty builds lasting trust during difficult conversations, and how you can approach measuring your own council’s impact over time.
📅 Tuesday 27th October, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Emma Payne, Town Clerk, Stotfold Town Council
November 2026
VAT – Acquiring New Community Facilities
What are the VAT implications when a council acquires a community asset? Explore where VAT arises — from initial acquisition through to long-term use — the risks to VAT recovery for local councils, and the practical steps councils can take to get the VAT treatment right.
📅 Thursday 5th November, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
🎓 Richard Strevens, Associate Director & Indirect Taxes Divisional Lead, PSTAX
Changing and Not Changing: Parish Audit 2026, 2027 and 2028
The local government audit landscape is entering a period of significant transition. With the rollout of the new Digital AGAR portal, updating SAPPP Proper Practices, and shifting internal control expectations, Town & Parish Councils in England need total clarity on what changes when.
📅 Thursday 19th November, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
🎓 Eleanor Greene, Chief Accountant at Do the Numbers Ltd and Secretary to the Internal Audit Forum
Charities and Trusts: Their Relationship with Local Councils
📅 Thursday 26th November, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Francesca Pridding, Partner, LGRC
👉 COMING SOON
December 2026
Apprentice Clerk Initiative in Hampshire
Are you a small or medium-sized council struggling with increasing workload and limited capacity? Discover how Sway Parish Council created and delivered a highly effective Clerking Apprenticeship, expanding their team and bringing young talent into local government. Learn how your council can replicate this collaborative, sustainable staffing model.
📅 Tuesday 8th December, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎓 Katie Walding PSLCC, Parish Clerk & RFO, and Estela Hernandez Smith, Assistant Clerk, Sway Parish Council
Scribemas 2026 - Christmas Party Webinar!
Calling all Clerks, RFOs, Council Staff & Councillors—it’s time to trade the agendas and bank reconciliations for some festive fun! Join the Scribe Team for an hour of pure holiday cheer, packed with lively quizzes, exciting games, and fantastic prizes. After a year of hard work, you’ve earned a break. Grab a warm drink, rock your favorite Christmas jumper, and kick back with us virtually for the ultimate end-of-year get-together!
📅 Thursday 10th December, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
🎓 The Scribe Team
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.
