Training courses for council employees

Take a look at our varied programme, but please note that we add additional courses throughout the year. If you require support booking onto these courses, contact hrdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

November 2026

HR Session – management induction programme

3 November: 10am to 12pm

Mandatory for new managers. Includes attendance management, one to ones, mental health, Ask and Act.

To book a place please search for the course in the Learning section on iTrent Employee Self Service or contact hrdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

The course is provided by Denbighshire County Council.

Your LGPS Pension and the McCloud Remedy

19 November: 10am to 11:30am

This course provides a clear and accessible introduction to the McCloud age discrimination remedy and its impact on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) members. It also refreshes key knowledge about how the LGPS works, the benefits of membership, and the options available to you both now and in the future.

What’s covered:

A clear understanding of the McCloud judgement and why the remedy was introduced
Insight into the underpin and how it applies to 2014–2022 service
Clarity on changes to LGPS benefits from 1 April 2022
An understanding of flexible retirement options and how they interact with the remedy
Awareness of tax considerations that may affect pension choices
Confidence in knowing your next steps and where to access further support

Book a place on this course

This training is provided by Affinity Connect.

Confidence and self-awareness

23 November: 9:30am to 11:30am

The workshop looks at ways to improve confidence and self-esteem and to raise self-awareness.

Aims and objectives:

To be able to identify aspects of self-esteem and confidence
To be able to recognise ways to improve self-esteem and confidence
To be able to recognise ways to develop self-awareness

Book a place on the confidence and self-awareness course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Menopause and mental health

25 November: 9:30am to 11am

Menopause significantly impacts mental health due to fluctuating hormones (estrogen, progesterone), causing mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability and "brain fog."

Recognising these mental health changes as a legitimate part of menopause, not just "getting older," is vital for accessing appropriate support and treatment. This workshop aims to give you a better understanding and tools to support you through this stage in life.

Book a place on the menopause and mental health course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Stress management

25 November: 9:30am to 12pm (midday)

This training provides an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of stress, how it affects our emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, and the ways in which we can recognise and respond to it.

The workshop explores what stress is, the difference between positive and negative stress, common causes and triggers, and the signs and symptoms that may indicate stress is beginning to have an impact. Participants will also explore practical strategies that can support healthier ways of managing stress and maintaining emotional wellbeing.

Book a place on the menopause and mental health course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Managing difficult conversations and conflict

25 November: 1:30pm to 4pm

Aims and objectives:

to understand how as an individual to effectively deal with difficult situations
to understand why we find conversations challenging
to review the impact of conflict on ourselves, the department and organisation
to understand the impact of different conflict management styles and how to ensure that the right style and strategy is deployed
to be able to recognise different kinds of behaviour and how to manage this within the conflict proces
to review and practice a variety of techniques to support the interaction with all parties concerned and explore a template for future challenging conversations

Book a place on the menopause and mental health course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Menopause and neurodiversity

26 November: 9:30am to 11:30am

This session is for anyone looking to understand experiencing menopause being neurodivergent or supporting someone who is neurodiverse and is going through the menopause.

Book a place on the menopause and neurodiversity course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Menopause for Managers and Team Leaders

26 November: 12:30pm to 2pm

This Menopause Awareness session is designed for managers and team leaders supporting women at work. It explains menopause, symptoms, and solutions, explores case studies, and offers practical tips for positive conversations. Participants gain insight, resources, and strategies to better support colleagues, partners, friends, and family, with time for Q&A.

Book a place on this course (external website)

The course is provided by Unite.

Catch, Challenge and Change: Solutions to negative thinking

26 November: 1pm to 3pm

The workshop looks at ways to recognise the impact our thinking has on our emotions and behaviours. We will look at practical ways to change negative thinking.

Aims and Objectives

To be able to identify negative automatic thoughts and unhelpful thinking styles
To be able to recognise ways to change our thinking
To be able to manage worry

Book a place on the Catch, Challenge and Change course (external website)

The course is provided by Unite.

Managing difficult conversations and conflict

26 November: 1:30pm to 4pm

Aims and objectives:

to understand how as an individual to effectively deal with difficult situations
to understand why we find conversations challenging
to review the impact of conflict on ourselves, the department and organisation
to understand the impact of different conflict management styles and how to ensure that the right style and strategy is deployed
to be able to recognise different kinds of behaviour and how to manage this within the conflict proces
to review and practice a variety of techniques to support the interaction with all parties concerned and explore a template for future challenging conversations

Book a place on the menopause and mental health course (external website)

This course is provided by Unite.

Welsh Language Support – Sessions for Beginners!

Sessions will take place weekly, with the first session starting during the week commencing 24 November.

Would you like to build your confidence and start learning and using more Welsh at work? We are offering weekly sessions for complete beginners, giving you the opportunity to learn simple words and phrases and start using more Welsh in your everyday work.

Everyone is welcome – no previous knowledge of Welsh is needed.

There are two time options available. Both sessions cover exactly the same content, so you only need to choose the time that suits you best:

session 1: Tuesday, 10am to 11am
session 2: Wednesday, 10am to 11am

Book a place by emailing the Welsh Language Officer, and remember to say which session you’d prefer to attend.

This course is provided by Denbighshire County Council.

December 2026

Group 3 – Ask and Act Champions

8 December: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Following the roll-out of Group 2 Ask and Act training to frontline professionals across North Wales, the VAWDASV (Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence) Regional Team have launched the Group 3 Ask and Act Champions training in partnership with Stori and the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit.

Group 3 Ask and Act Champions training is aimed at professionals in roles which require them to do more than "Ask and Act" and for those who perform a "Champion" role.

This 1 day training course will enable professionals to achieve the following:

Support colleagues as they make difficult decisions in relation to clients or service users affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Help offer services to all family members affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Act as a VAWDASV champion and point of contact for Ask and Act enquiries within their organisation.

Book onto this course by email

This course is provided by Welsh Government

Planning for a positive retirement (LGPS session)

8 December: 1pm to 3:30pm (LGPS)

Retirement might be up to 10 years away but it’s never too soon to start planning. This course is perfect for anyone thinking about retirement or already at the planning stages.

During the course you’ll learn how to:

help you plan for the lifestyle changes ahead
maximise the benefits of your State and workplace pensions
make the most of your tax-free cash
understand the income options available from your pension
achieve your retirement goals

Book a place on the retirement course (external website)

This training is provided by Affinity Connect.

January 2027

Ask and act group 2

12 January: 9:30am to 12:30pm

A half day course to; increase confidence and understanding of early identification, making a targeted enquiry and knowing referral pathways. This is a mandatory course for anyone working in a front facing role.

Aims and objectives:

recognise the signs and symptoms of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
understand the purpose of and demonstrate an ability to undertake targeted enquiry
demonstrate knowledge around data protection and the duty of confidentiality
understand the purpose of risk identification in relation to some forms of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
be able to implement the targeted enquiry care pathway

If you wish to book a place please search for the course in the Learning section on iTrent Employee Self Service or contact hrdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Safer recruitment and equalities, diversity and inclusion

21 January: 10am to 11:30am

Mandatory for new managers.

To book a place please search for the course in the Learning section on iTrent Employee Self Service or contact hrdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

The course is provided by Denbighshire County Council.

HR Session – management induction programme

26 January: 1pm to 3pm

Mandatory for new managers. Includes attendance management, one to ones, mental health, Ask and Act.

To book a place please search for the course in the Learning section on iTrent Employee Self Service or contact hrdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

The course is provided by Denbighshire County Council.

February 2027

Group 3 – Ask and Act Champions

23 February: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Group 3 Ask and Act Champions training is aimed at professionals in roles which require them to do more than "Ask and Act" and for those who perform a "Champion" role.

This 1 day training course will enable professionals to achieve the following:

Support colleagues as they make difficult decisions in relation to clients or service users affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Help offer services to all family members affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Act as a VAWDASV champion and point of contact for Ask and Act enquiries within their organisation.

Book onto this course by email

This course is provided by Welsh Government

We partnered with GMB, UNITE, and UNISON to secure funding from the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) to enhance employee learning and skills. This collaboration promotes broader training participation, supports tailored workplace training, and fosters employee development, accessible to all, regardless of union membership.

In-house or bespoke training

We can also offer bespoke training for departments as and when there is a specific project / need and can tailor the training to suit specific service needs. Look out for various training opportunities and if you would like more information or interested in any qualifications and training please contact HRdirect@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Dedicated union learning opportunities

If you are a member of the union you may find other qualification and courses that you may be able to attend or be able to apply for. Please see their dedicated learning pages below: