Booklets and Resources

This section provides a variety of different resources for local councils. Many are NALC publications while some are the publications of our partner organisations. All of the resources are of direct relevance to our tier. We will add further resources as they become available.

Being a good employer – a guide for parish and town councillors (2010)

The NTS guide “Being a good employer – a guide for parish and town councillors” is now available online.

Please click to download the guide


Greater co-operation through new compact toolkit

A new Compact Toolkit offering help and guidance to those keen to build greater working relationships with parish councils has now been launched.

Click here to download a copy


‘It takes all sorts – Local councils: represent your community, make a difference’ (2009)

A booklet highlighting the difference you can make by representing your community on your local council. It explains the role of local councils and local councillors and explains how you can get involved. The booklet also features the thoughts of current councillors from around the country explaining a little about why they represent their communities.

You may find this document useful if you are considering standing for you local council or if you are curious about the role of local councils and local councillors. 

Click here to download a copy


‘Whatever, yeah – Local councils and youth provision’ (2009)

A booklet highlighting just some of the innovative approaches taken by local councils to better represent young people in their local area.

You may find this document useful if you are looking for some inspiration locally or are just curious about the different ways that local councils represent young people.

Click here to download a copy


Governance Toolkit for Parish & Town Councils

The National Association has teamed up with the Associations of Council Secretaries and Solicitors (ACSeS), Local Government Association (LGA), Standards Board for England, and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) to produce this important toolkit guide on governance.

This guide is aimed at parish councils and those with an interest in parish affairs (e.g. Monitoring Officers and Parish Liaison Officers).

Click here to download a copy


Securing effective engagement for town and parish councils
In order to help deliver the Participation inquiry’s recommendations, specifically the opportunities that unitary local government bring, the CRC and NALC have developed guidance on clustering and service delegation. These documents will be of use to all local councils interested in the two subjects.


‘Good beginnings: securing effective engagement for town and
parish councils – Executive summary’ (2009)

An executive summary for the project that gives a broad overview of its findings

Click here to download a copy


‘Securing effective engagement for parish and town councils with unitary structures and processes – Literature review’ (2009)

A report by Brian Wilson Associates for the CRC and NALC which looks at the policy context for the most recent local government reorganization but more importantly identifies practical opportunities for, and barriers to, parish and town council engagement.

Click here to download a copy

‘Guidance note: Service delegation to parish and town councils’ (2009)

A guidance document produced to help parish and town councils realise the opportunities for service delegation in areas which undergo local government reorganisation. However, it is also relevant to those considering delegation in two-tier areas, including principal authorities.

You may find this document interesting if you would like guidance on the delegation of service delivery or wish to learn a little more through a range of case studies.

Click here to download a copy


‘Guidance note: Clustering by parish and town councils’ (2009)

A guidance document that focuses on how to develop clustering arrangements as a means of securing effective engagement.

You may find this document useful if you are considering clustering arrangements in your local area or wish to learn a little more through a range of case studies.

Click here to download a copy


‘Guidance Note: Helping Parish and Town Councils Work With Unitary Local Authorities’ (2009)

A guidance note that focuses on how local (parish and town) councils can engage and work with Unitary local authorities.

You may find this document useful if your local council is located in a new or established unitary area and you want to find out how your council can engage in joint working with its unitary principal authority.

Click here to download a copy. 


‘A Manager's Guide to Performance Management' (Adaptation 2008)

Based on the Improvement and Development Agency and Audit Commission's Performance, Management, Measurement and Information Project, this publication is an adaptation of an earlier document - A Manager's guide to Performance Management (2006), jointly written by these same organisations.

This document has been 'parish proofed' and the broad principles, ranging from the performance management cycle through to taking action for improvement, have relevance for all small, medium and larger councils in the town and parish sector. There are also eight useful case studies to complement this guide.

Click here to download a copy
Click here to view performance management case studies


‘A Councillor's Guide to Performance Management' (Adaptation 2009)

Based on the Improvement and Development Agency and Audit Commission's Performance, Management, Measurement and Information Project, this publication is an adaptation of an earlier document - A Councillor's Guide to Performance Management (2006), jointly written by these same organisations.

This document has been 'parish proofed' and the broad principles, ranging from the performance management cycle through to taking action for improvement, have relevance for all small, medium and larger councils in the town and parish sector. There are also eight useful case studies to complement this guide.

Click here to download a copy
Click here to view performance management case studies


‘All about local councils’ (2008)

An update to the NALC/Electoral Commission booklet ‘All about parish and town councils’ published in 2007. The new booklet has a slightly more urban slant and while aimed at a more urban audience is still relevant as a resource to all councils. The booklet gives simplified explanations about the role and work of local councils and their councillors, explains the electoral process and provides a number of case studies highlighting the work of a selection of local councils.

You may find this booklet useful for introducing people to our tier of local government (particularly in an urban setting), helping to promote the work of local councils and the role of councillors or as a handy promotional tool in the run up to elections.

Click here to download a copy


‘All about parish and town councils’ (2007)

A joint NALC/Electoral Commission publication, this booklet gives simplified explanations about the role and work of parish and town councils and their councillors, explains the electoral process and provides a number of case studies highlighting the work of a selection of parish and town councils.

You may find this booklet useful for introducing people to our tier of local government, helping to promote the work of parish and town councils and the role of councillors or as a handy promotional tool in the run up to elections.

Click here to download a copy

‘Community Empowerment Awards – 2006’ (2006)

This booklet highlights award winners from the Commission for Rural Communities sponsored Community Empowerment Awards, awards presented in association with NALC. The booklet provides interesting case studies covering the work of local councils in the fields of; older people, young people, housing and Gypsies, travellers & migrant workers.

You may find this booklet useful if you wish to get a taste of the variety of projects that local councils undertake or perhaps wish to get a little inspiration or advice as to how you might wish to take a project forward in your local area.

Click here to download a copy


‘Community Empowerment Awards – 2007’ (2007)

This booklet highlights award winners from the Commission for Rural Communities sponsored Community Empowerment Awards, awards presented in association with NALC. This booklet provides interesting case studies covering the work of local councils in the fields of; older people; young people; and housing.

You may find this booklet useful if you wish to get a taste of the variety of projects that local councils undertake or perhaps wish to get a little inspiration or advice as to how you might wish to take a project forward in your local area.

Click here to download a copy


‘Governance and Accountability for Local Councils – A Practitioners’ Guide (England)’ (2010)

A joint NALC and Society of Local Council Clerks guidance document to proper accounting practices and audit for local councils. This edition builds on previous editions but incorporates the changes to regulations from 2006 and the impact of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

This guidance document will be useful to anyone looking for a clear statement on proper practices

Click here to access the guidance


‘Use of Ordnance Survey mapping by Town, Parish and Community Councils’ (2007)

A guidance document produced following discussions between Ordnance Survey, NALC and Local Government Information House. It covers the OS Contractor’s licence and provides advice for councils concerning digital mapping.

You may find this guidance useful if you are considering, or are already using digital mapping. This guidance is valid until 31 March 2009.

Click here to download a copy

‘Guidance on community governance reviews’ (2008)

This guidance document published by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Electoral Commission provides guidance on community governance reviews, reviews whereby a principal authority can propose the creation or alteration of local councils, amongst other things.

You may find this guidance useful if you are considering petitioning your local principal authority (borough/district/unitary councils) for the creation of a new local council in your area.

Click here to download a copy

‘The good councillors guide (second edition)’ (2006)

This practical guidance booklet is aimed at providing an introduction to people new to the role of parish or town councillor and as a handy refresher for those who have had more time in the role. It covers a variety of different topics including; a councillors responsibilities; what they can, must and must not do; processes around meetings; delivery of service; and lots of tips explaining in simple terms the broader world of local government.

You may find this guidance document useful if you are new as a local councillor or if you are considering the role. It is also a handy reference guide for more experienced councillors.

Click here to download a copy

‘How politics affects…your local area’ Posters (2007)

Developed by NALC and the Electoral Commission and coming in two colours, pink and blue, these colourful posters highlight the kinds of activities that local councils can get involved in.

You may find these posters useful if you wish to raise the profile of your local council, particularly in the run to local elections.

Click here to download a blue copy
Click here to download a pink copy

‘Pointers to good practice’ (2005)

A joint NALC/Commission for Rural Communities publication this guide book identifies good practice for local councils. The guide covers five main topic headings; Involving people and strengthening the community; Working on practical projects with local support; Co-operating with others; Influencing decisions that affect the community; and Building change that lasts. The guide explains the case for local councils taking action and presents a selection of case studies to show how effectively these councils are already working for their communities.

You may find this guide useful if you are a clerk or councillor and would like to consider practical solutions. The guide is also useful for voluntary community organisations, principal authorities and their councillors, and government offices and agencies.

Click here to download a copy

‘A guide to becoming a Quality Council (second edition)’ (2008)

A short guide for the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme explaining the benefits of attaining Quality status and explaining exactly what is required of a council to pass each of the tests.

You may find this guide useful if your council is considering making an application for Quality status or if you are curious about the Scheme.

Click here to download a copy

‘Ways to tackle climate change’ (2007)

A booklet produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and focuses on how local councils can make energy efficient savings. It presents practical advice and ideas and a variety of case studies where work on tackling climate change is already occurring.

You may find this guide useful if you are a council interested in introducing measures to reduce CO2 emissions in your local area or are interested in the wide variety of action already being taken.

Click here to download a copy