This is the moment for parish and town councils to take the lead, to champion local voices, secure vital services, and prove the power of community-led delivery.
As local government in England undergoes sweeping change, new unitary councils are facing tough financial headwinds, and national policy is leaning towards neighbourhood area committees rather than creating new parish and town councils.
But where challenges rise, so do opportunities. This is the moment for parish and town councils to take the lead, to champion local voices, secure vital services, and prove the power of community-led delivery.
Join us for a dynamic and solution-focused event where you’ll:
Be part of the movement that keeps our communities thriving. Don’t just adapt to change, lead it.
NB: NALC reserves the right to change the programme at any time.




Clerk, Shrewsbury Town Council
Helen Ball began her career in 1997, working part-time for a small East Yorkshire parish council. In 1999, she became a clerk for Beverley Town Council, one of the first councils created by referendum under the Local Government and Rating Act 1997. She later earned a first-class local policy degree from Gloucestershire University in 2007. In 2009, Helen became clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, overseeing a large council with around 72,000 residents and a £4 million budget. Active in various boards and partnerships, Helen is also the vice-chair of the Society of Local Council Clerks.

Chief executive, County Councils Network
Simon Edwards is chief executive of the County Councils Network (CCN), where he provides strategic leadership for the organisation, oversees its business management and directs engagement with its member authorities. Under his leadership, CCN has developed into an influential and respected national network, shaping debate and advocating innovative policy solutions to address the financial, service delivery and governance challenges facing county authorities and the wider public sector. Simon works closely with senior council leaders, policymakers and sector partners to strengthen the voice of county government at a national level and ensure members are supported in delivering effective services to their communities.

Clerk, Haverhill Town Council
Colin Poole is the clerk of Haverhill Town Council, where he has overall responsibility for conducting the council's business and advising councillors on legal, financial and procedural matters. In his leadership role, he plays a central part in shaping the council's strategic direction and service delivery for the Suffolk community, bringing extensive experience in community leadership and local government administration, including previous work at Exmouth Town Council and voluntary sector organisations. Under his stewardship, Haverhill Town Council was recognised as Council of the Year, and Colin himself was named Clerk of the Year at the Suffolk Community Awards, acknowledging his dedication to community wellbeing and collaborative local governance. He also contributes to broader place-based partnership working, serving on boards such as the ONE Haverhill Partnership, and holds professional qualifications that underpin his commitment to effective, transparent council governance.
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