NALC and SLCC leadership teams mark the launch of the new model contract of employment for local councils 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC)’s senior leadership teams met in London to discuss various issues of strategic significance to the sector. These included workforce development, audit and finance of local councils, and our respective work programmes for 2024.

Both organisations were also pleased to mark the launch of a new model employment contract for local councils. This model contract incorporates Green Book terms, which both NALC and SLCC recommend councils offer to align with the best practices within the local government sector. Offering good terms of employment supports the recruitment and retention of a high-quality workforce and demonstrates that the council is a good employer that values its staff.

This document, produced by NALC and endorsed by SLCC, aims to support councils to attract and retain the most talented staff in their organisations and to support them in their professional development.  

NALC chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, said: "The future of the local council sector relies on all councils being good employers. Attracting talent into the sector and helping their teams grow in skill and confidence. The best outcomes for our communities can only be achieved where we have the best possible people working for our councils, with councillors and staff working in partnership. This is a top priority for NALC and these new documents are part of a growing package of HR and employment support for our members"

SLCC chair, Adam Keppel-Green, said: "We firmly believe that to maintain a strong workforce, councils must employ their staff on terms which are consistent with those offered in the wider local government family, and we are pleased to commend this new model contract, which ensures these terms continue to be the standard for our sector, to our members."

Notes

Please contact your county association for any HR or employment-related queries. They will be able to assist with HR support either through local arrangements or through NALC’s national HR service with WorkNest.

The documents launched today are:

• Model contract of employment for local councils — This model contract incorporates Green Book terms. NALC and SLCC recommend councils offer enhanced terms that align with the best practice within the Local Government sector. This best practice is defined by the Green Book terms and conditions. Offering good terms of employment supports the recruitment and retention of a high-quality workforce and demonstrates that the council is a good employer who values its staff. 
• Template contract of employment for local councils — This template provides information on the statutory minimum provisions under employment legislation to ensure awareness and compliance with at least minimum requirements. Councils have the option to offer enhanced terms and conditions appropriate to their resources and this template shows councils where they might offer enhanced terms with clear recommendations from NALC to show how to align with Green Book terms or wider best practice. 
• Guidance for the template and model contract of employment for local councils — This is an accompanying set of guidance notes that the council should refer to while drafting a contract to make sure they understand the terms they are committing to in the contract and they are reflecting what is appropriate for the role and the council. It is strongly recommended that the council considers this document with the accompanying notes and seeks additional HR support when drawing up a contract of employment. 

These documents provide current templates that councils can issue to new employees. It does not replace the contracts of existing employees. Any requirement to change the contractual terms of existing employees would require consultation and councils are advised to seek specialist advice before proceeding.