Links

We hope that some of these organisations or links might be useful to you. They cover a number of diverse organisations, many of whom take a proactive approach to British democracy. There is also a links document that you can download, update and distribute should you wish.


County associations

www.nalc.gov.uk/Contacts/Contacts.aspx

This link will take you to the contact details for all county associations in England.

County associations of parish and town councils are membership bodies that provide advice and services to their members.


Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC)

www.slcc.co.uk

A membership organisation for local council clerks, the SLCC aims to promote the professional standing and knowledge of its members.


The Electoral Commission

www.electoralcommission.org.uk

The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its mission is to foster public confidence and participation in the democratic process in the UK.


Its Do Politics Centre

www.dopolitics.org.uk

This site provides resources for promoting voter awareness and registration.


Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

www.communities.gov.uk

The vision of the Department for Communities and Local Government is for prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. Its role is to build the capacity of communities to shape and protect their own future.


Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

www.defra.gov.uk

Defra's aim is sustainable development and it has five strategic priorities under this overarching aim, climate change and energy, sustainable consumption and production, protecting the countryside and natural resource protection, sustainable rural communities and a sustainable farming and food sector including animal health and welfare.


UK Youth Parliament

www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk

The UK Youth Parliament aims to give the young people of the UK, between the age of 11 and 18 years a voice, which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.


Operation Black Vote

www.obv.org.uk

Operation Black Vote is the first initiative to focus exclusively on the Black democratic deficit in the UK. The organisation believes that without a strong political voice for African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, the ideal of equality of opportunity - regardless of race and colour - will remain an ideal. Its comprehensive programme includes political education, participation and representation; its goal is for a fair, just and inclusive democracy, one that allows creativity, energy and talent to fulfil it's potential and enhance British society.


The British Youth Council

www.byc.org.uk

The British Youth Council work to build the capacity of young people and youth organisations through their services and by providing support, advice and other resources for involving young people at all levels of decision making. They bring young people closer by helping them to get involved locally and internationally, from volunteering to meeting MP's.


Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA)

www.dca.gov.uk

The Department for Constitutional Affairs is the department responsible for upholding justice, rights and democracy.


The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

www.ncvo-vol.org.uk

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is a registered charity and a highly effective lobbying organisation. It represents the views of its members, and the wider voluntary sector to government, the European Union and other bodies.


Commission for Rural Communities (CRC)

www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk

An independent body, its role is to provide well-informed, independent advice to government and ensure that policies reflect the real needs of people living and working in rural England, with a particular focus on tackling disadvantage.


Hansard Society

www.hansardsociety.org.uk

The Hansard Society is an independent educational charity which brings together MPs, peers, academics, journalists, parliamentary staff, civil servants, business and industry, trade unions, corporate affairs managers, interest and lobby groups and others with an interest in the political process from across the political spectrum to promote effective parliamentary democracy.


Local Government Association (LGA)

www.lga.gov.uk

The LGA is the member organisation for principal local authorities and aims to promote better local government. It aims to put councils at the heart of the drive to improve public services.


Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)

www.idea.gov.uk

The IDeA works for local government improvement so councils can serve people and places better. It uses experienced councillors and senior officers, known as peers, who support and challenge councils to improve themselves.


National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)

www.navca.org.uk

The purpose of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action is to promote local voluntary and community action nationally. They do this by providing their members with information, advice, networking and learning opportunities, support and development services. In turn, they draw on their members' experience to influence government and contribute to national policy.


UK Villages

www.ukvillages.co.uk

UK Villages provide information on all villages, parishes, communities, suburbs, towns and cities.


ACAS

www.acas.org.uk

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is an organisation which provides advice on employment relations. ACAS work with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.


NetRegs

www.netregs.gov.uk

NetRegs is a free and confidential website that aims to help small and medium sized enterprises to understand what they need to do to comply with environmental legislation and protect the environment.


CommunityHelpers

www.communityhelpers.co.uk

CommunityHelpers is a public interest website focused on extensive advice on helping in the community.