Preparing for CiLCA
It is important that learners plan their pathway to CiLCA and take time to research what is involved and discuss personal development ambitions with their council and the resulting benefits once qualified.
Our policy requires all learners to have been in post for at least 12 months before starting CiLCA and we have an officer development programme in place to help new clerks, alongside welfare support calls, where members of our development team check-in on new clerks during their first year in post, to ensure they get off to the good start. (*Suffolk only).
Your CiLCA journey will start by attending our introductory module giving you support and guidance at the outset. You can attend this workshop at any time as it will help you understand what is required to study for this qualification. It requires a self-assessment training needs analysis to be completed in advance (we supply - see below) a tool to help identify any knowledge gaps.
When you are ready to start to learn we also require all CiLCA learners and their council to enter into a Training Agreement with SALC.
SALC training offer
Training is compulsory for CiLCA 2026 and SALC have a rolling programme of workshops linked to each learning outcome to allow learners flexibility. Our workshops last two hours and are held on MS Teams - fyi those marked* please note these will be split into two sessions each lasting two hours.
2. Unit 1 - core roles in local council administration
3. Unit 2* - law and procedures for local councils
4. Unit 3 - finance for local councils
What does CiLCA cost?
The current application fee for CiLCA 2026 is £495 which includes the cost of two referrals, plus the cost of 6 workshops as listed above. See the prices below which are per person plus VAT:
| Unit | Suffolk members | Norfolk members |
| Introductory module | £40 | £45 |
| Units 1 - 5 | £65 per unit | £70 per unit |
| TOTAL for support workshops | £365 | £395 |
About the trainer
Sally Longmate is our recognised trainer (ref: 200932) and the CEO of Suffolk ALC. She is CiLCA qualified and has worked in the local government sector for almost 30 years, 9 of which at the grass roots tier supporting town and parish councils and parish meetings.
How to book
For Suffolk members, your clerk will have access to the member portal to access our events list. There is a filter for CiLCA workshops allowing you to book.
For Norfolk ALC learners, please complete the form below so that we can set you up onto the SALC portal where you can access our online resources and also book our CiLCA workshops.
To assist Norfolk ALC students, this brief video demonstrates how to search and book events on the SALC member portal. When you complete the form below you will receive an invitation to the portal so you can book CiLCA workshops direct.
Norfolk ALC learners e-form
Request to access our member portal