Local councils are moving together in partnership

National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) have joined forces for further mutual working and co-operation.

The leadership teams of NALC and SLCC signed a joint protocol between the two bodies at the annual SLCC Conference 2014.

Both organisations agreed to work together to promote the best interests of the local councils sector and its employees and their contribution to the wellbeing of communities. These aims will be achieved through regular communication at all levels, mutual promotion and collaboration in representations to Government and other bodies when there is common interest.

Specifically in 2015/16 our two organisations will encourage:

• Participation in the new Local Council Award Scheme

• Take-up of CiLCA (This is the accredited certificate for our sector, designed to test basic levels of competence for the role of parish clerk)

• Establish a Sector-Led Body to procure audit services

• Provide joint advice to councils including on part-time working hours

• Prepare new model terms and conditions of employment

• Work towards a complementary conference programme and joint events

Cllr Ken Browse, chairman of NALC, claimed that: “NALC and SLCC have a long and positive history of working together to promote the work of both organisations and the all important role that councillors and officers play in community leadership and representation. This protocol cements the partnership working between NALC and SLCC and long may this continue."

Commenting on the new protocol, SLCC’s chief executive, Howard Middleton, said: “We have always enjoyed a close working relationship with our colleagues at NALC and this builds on the previous agreement to take us forward working together in a spirit of mutual co-operation for the ultimate benefit of the communities which clerks and councils both serve.”