Council Hive Events and Masterclasses
As part of our Council Hive service, throughout the year we run Half-Day Masterclasses and Lunchtime Webinars for local councils.
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These are free for Council Hive member councils. Non-member councils are welcome to pay to attend events.
Forthcoming Council Hive Events, Lunchtime Webinars and Half Day Masterclasses
Discover how more parish and town councils are leveraging TikTok to boost community engagement.
Dive into the vibrant world of TikTok and discover how local councils are harnessing this rapidly growing platform to engage with their communities like never before.
This Council Hive Masterclass event will guide you through the essentials of TikTok, from understanding its unique culture and algorithm to creating engaging content that resonates with your audience.
You'll learn how to develop a TikTok strategy aligned with your council's objectives, explore creative storytelling techniques, and gain insights into measuring success on the platform.
With interactive sessions and practical exercises, this masterclass is perfect for councils looking to expand their digital presence and connect with residents in innovative ways.
When does the Masterclass take place?
Thursday 9th January 2025, 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Who should attend?
Any parish or town council officer or councillor who wants to discover how TikTok can help boost the council's digital reach.
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What's included with the ticket?
All Council Hive Masterclass tickets include Workbooks, Action Plans and 12 months' access to event recordings.
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What's the cost of the Masterclass?
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£97+vat per delegate
- Free for Council Hive subscribers
Masterclass Details
Update on UK GDPR compliance, case law and best practice for councils.
Stay ahead of the curve with our concise lunchtime webinar focused on the essentials of GDPR compliance for 2025.
We'll provide you with the latest updates on UK GDPR regulations, recent case law developments, and best practices tailored specifically for parish and town councils.This session will cover key obligations, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical steps to ensure your council remains compliant. Ideal for council clerks, officers, and anyone responsible for data protection, this webinar will help you navigate the complexities of GDPR with confidence.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Friday 31st January
Best practice for engaging communities through
e-newsletters and bulletins.
Unlock the full potential of email marketing to engage your community effectively. In this webinar, we'll delve into strategies for crafting compelling e-newsletters and bulletins that inform, inspire, and drive action among your residents.
Learn how to build and segment your email list, create engaging content, comply with GDPR regulations, and analyze performance metrics to continually improve your communication efforts. We'll also share design tips and automation techniques to save time and enhance impact. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped to elevate your council's email communications to new heights.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Tuesday 11th February
Understand when to apply FOI exemptions
and how to issue refusal notices.
Navigating the complexities of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests can be challenging. This comprehensive masterclass is designed to deepen your understanding of FOI exemptions and provide practical guidance on handling requests effectively.
We'll explore the various exemptions under the FOI Act, criteria for their application, and the legal requirements for issuing refusal notices. Through real-world scenarios and interactive discussions, you'll gain insights into best practices for compliance, transparency, and maintaining public trust. This session is essential for anyone involved in managing FOI requests within their council.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Monday 24th Feburary
Enhance engagement through compelling visuals.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in today's digital age, compelling visuals are key to capturing your audience's attention. This masterclass will teach you how to harness the power of visual storytelling to enhance your council's communications. From social media graphics to infographics and video content, we'll explore various mediums and how to use them effectively.
Learn the principles of good design, understand how to create narratives that resonate, and discover tools and resources to produce high-quality visuals without a big budget. Through hands-on activities, you'll leave equipped with skills to elevate your council's messaging and make a lasting impact on your community.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Wednesday 12th March
Understand AI ethics and GDPR compliance issues.
Artificial Intelligence offers exciting possibilities for councils, but it also raises important ethical and legal considerations. In this timely webinar, we'll examine the intersection of AI technologies and GDPR compliance. Understand the potential risks and challenges associated with deploying AI solutions, including issues of data privacy, bias, and transparency.
We'll discuss best practices for ensuring your AI initiatives align with ethical standards and legal obligations, providing practical guidance on conducting impact assessments and implementing safeguards. This session is crucial for councils looking to embrace AI responsibly and maintain public trust in their digital transformation efforts
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Friday 28th March
Improve communication and engagement with better content strategies.
Content is at the heart of effective communication, and this webinar will help you refine your strategies to better engage your community. We'll cover how to plan and produce content that aligns with your council's goals and resonates with your audience across various channels, including social media, websites, and print materials.
Discover techniques for storytelling, optimizing content for different platforms, and maintaining a consistent brand voice. We'll also explore ways to repurpose content to maximize reach and efficiency. By enhancing your content creation skills, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and foster stronger connections with your residents.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 10th April
Strategies to safeguard personal data
and ensure proactive privacy compliance.
In an era of increasing cyber threats, protecting your council's data is paramount. This comprehensive masterclass will provide you with the knowledge and tools to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Learn about the latest threats facing councils, including phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches, and understand how to mitigate these risks.
We'll delve into best practices for securing networks and devices, managing user access, and responding effectively to incidents. Additionally, we'll cover the importance of staff training and creating a culture of security awareness. By adopting proactive measures, your council can safeguard sensitive information and maintain the trust of your community.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Friday 25th April
Use analytics to enhance social media strategies.
Unlock the power of data to optimize your council's social media efforts. This masterclass will teach you how to use analytics tools to gain valuable insights into your audience's behavior and preferences. Learn how to track key performance indicators, interpret metrics, and adjust your strategies for maximum engagement and reach.
We'll explore platform-specific analytics for Facebook, Instagram, and other key channels, as well as third-party tools that can enhance your understanding of social media performance. Through practical exercises, you'll gain hands-on experience in analyzing data and making data-driven decisions to improve your council's online presence.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 15th May
Ensure your council's CCTV is fully data protection compliant.
The use of CCTV by councils raises important considerations under data protection laws. This webinar provides essential guidance on how to operate CCTV systems in compliance with GDPR and other regulations. We'll cover the legal basis for CCTV usage, requirements for signage and notifications, data retention policies, and procedures for responding to subject access requests.
By understanding the regulatory landscape and implementing best practices, you can use CCTV effectively to enhance public safety while respecting individuals' privacy rights. This session is crucial for councils that currently use or are considering implementing CCTV systems.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Friday 23rd May
Boost self-confidence to communicate our needs
and boundaries confidently.
Effective communication starts with confidence. This empowering masterclass is designed to help council members and staff develop greater self-assurance and assertiveness in their roles. Through interactive exercises and practical techniques, you'll learn how to express your ideas clearly, set healthy boundaries, and handle challenging situations with poise.
Topics include overcoming self-doubt, managing stress, and using body language to enhance your presence. By building personal confidence, you'll be better equipped to lead, collaborate, and make a positive impact within your council and community.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 5th June
Leverage the power of AI for effective communication
and community engagement.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way organizations interact with their audiences. This masterclass will introduce you to the practical applications of AI in enhancing community engagement. Explore tools like chatbots for customer service, AI-driven analytics for understanding community needs, and personalized content delivery.
We'll examine case studies of successful AI implementations in the public sector and provide guidance on selecting and integrating AI solutions that align with your council's goals. This session will empower you to harness AI technologies responsibly and effectively, staying at the forefront of innovation in public communication.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 26th June
Refresh your council's communication strategy
and explore latest best practice.
Keeping your community engaged requires continuous effort and innovation. In this webinar, we'll explore effective methods for connecting with residents, encouraging participation, and fostering a sense of community. We'll discuss both traditional and digital communication channels, including social media, newsletters, public meetings, and community events.
Learn how to tailor your messaging to different audience segments, utilize feedback mechanisms, and measure the impact of your engagement activities. By adopting these best practices, your council can build stronger relationships with constituents and promote active civic involvement.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 3rd July
Strategies to engage all community members
through your communications.
Ensuring that your council's communications are accessible and inclusive is essential for serving all members of your community. This webinar will provide practical guidance on making your digital and print communications accessible to people with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds.
We'll cover legal obligations under the Equality Act, best practices for accessible website design, creating content in multiple formats, and using inclusive language. By adopting these strategies, your council can remove barriers to participation, foster inclusivity, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Tuesday 15th July
Explore the latest techniques to get the most from
Instagram and Facebook
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are vital tools for engaging with your community. In this webinar, we'll explore advanced features and strategies to enhance your council's presence on these platforms. Learn about optimizing posts for engagement, utilizing stories and reels, advertising options, and community management techniques.
We'll also discuss how to analyze performance metrics and adapt your strategy based on insights. Whether you're looking to grow your following, increase engagement, or promote specific initiatives, this session will provide the tools and knowledge to achieve your goals.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 11th September
In-depth session on FOI request handling and compliance.
Master the art of managing Freedom of Information requests with this comprehensive masterclass. We'll delve deep into the FOI Act's requirements, exploring the end-to-end process of handling requests, from initial receipt to final response. Topics include timeframes, exemptions, public interest tests, transparency and pro-active publication.
Through interactive case studies and practical exercises, you'll develop the skills to process requests efficiently and compliantly, reducing the risk of non-compliance and enhancing transparency. This session is essential for anyone responsible for FOI within their council, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle even the most complex requests.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Tuesday 23rd September
Techniques to involve young people in initiatives.
Engaging young people is crucial for building vibrant, future-ready communities. This masterclass will explore innovative strategies to involve youth in council initiatives, policymaking, and community activities. Learn how to create youth councils, develop programs that address their interests and needs, and utilize platforms and communication styles that resonate with younger audiences.
We'll share success stories and provide practical tools to help you connect with young residents, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their community. By fostering youth engagement, your council can benefit from fresh perspectives and cultivate the next generation of community leaders.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Wednesday 8th October
Use short and long-form video content to boost community engagement.
Video is one of the most powerful mediums for communication today. In this webinar, we'll explore how your council can leverage both short and long-form video content to engage residents. Learn about the types of video content that work best for different objectives, from informational clips to live streams and community highlights.
We'll discuss production tips, equipment considerations, and platforms for distribution, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. You'll also learn how to measure the effectiveness of your videos and optimize them for greater reach. Whether you're new to video or looking to enhance your existing efforts, this session will provide valuable insights.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 13th November
Conduct DPIAs to ensure proactive data protection compliance
across the council.
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) are a crucial component of GDPR compliance, especially when introducing new processes or technologies that handle personal data. This masterclass will guide you through the DPIA process, helping you understand when they're required, how to conduct them effectively, and how to integrate them into your council's operations.
We'll cover identifying risks, consulting stakeholders, documenting findings, and implementing mitigation strategies. By proactively managing data protection risks, your council can prevent breaches, comply with legal obligations, and build public confidence in your handling of personal data.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Thursday 27th November
Recap community engagement best practice
and look ahead to what's new in 2026.
As the year comes to a close, join us for a reflective and forward-looking session. We'll recap the key community engagement best practices and successes from 2025, highlighting case studies and lessons learned.
This webinar will also provide insights into emerging trends and technologies that will shape community engagement in 2026 and beyond. Learn how to position your council to take advantage of new opportunities, set goals for the coming year, and continue building strong relationships with your community. This session is a perfect way to wrap up the year and prepare for future success.
Price per delegate:
Free - Council Hive Member Councils
£47+vat - Non-Member Councils
Wednesday 10th December