Next Generation Leadership: Building inclusive parish and town councils

Discover practical steps to engage a broader range of people in your community.

For years, we have championed the need for parish and town councils to connect with people from all walks of life, not just to involve them in local decision-making, but to nurture the next generation of councillors who reflect the diversity of our communities.

Yet the numbers tell a familiar story. The May 2025 parish and town council elections showed that most councillors are still male and middle-aged, and only 35% of candidates were women. Representation of young people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ communities, and other underrepresented groups remains low. It’s time to change that picture.

Join us at this energising and forward-thinking event where you’ll:

  • Hear real success stories from some of England’s most dynamic and inclusive parish and town councils.
  • Discover practical steps to engage a broader range of people in your community, especially those who may feel excluded from local politics.
  • Learn how to inspire, support, and mentor the councillors of tomorrow from diverse backgrounds.
  • Gain insights from a specialist inclusion and youth engagement organisation on what truly works.

Be part of shaping a more diverse, youthful, and vibrant future for parish and town councils, starting with yours.

NB: NALC reserves the right to change the programme at any time.