Clerks are connectors, communicators and catalysts, says NALC chair
Our chair, Cllr Iain Hamilton, has praised the vital role of parish and town council clerks in supporting communities and called for councils to be at the heart of the government's devolution and community empowerment agenda.
Speaking at the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) National Conference 2026, Cllr Hamilton thanked clerks for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to public service, describing them as essential to the success of local democracy.
In his first address to the conference as our chair, Cllr Hamilton drew on his experience in local government, technology and the voluntary sector to set out three priorities for the sector: stronger voices, stronger governance and stronger partnerships. He said these priorities were underpinned by a clear ambition that "community power must reach every community".
Cllr Hamilton highlighted the opportunities for parish and town councils to help deliver local growth, strengthen democracy and build resilient communities. He also outlined NALC's work with government, parliamentarians and other stakeholders to ensure the sector has a strong voice in discussions about devolution, local government reorganisation and neighbourhood governance.
Cllr Hamilton said there was growing recognition in Westminster that parish and town councils are not institutions of the past, but valuable partners in shaping the future of local government and bringing decision-making closer to communities.
Turning to governance, Cllr Hamilton stressed that strong standards and accountability are essential for building public trust and effective councils. He highlighted our joint work with SLCC on audit reform, governance guidance, standards and civility and respect, reaffirming our commitment to helping parish and town councils develop positive cultures built on professionalism, respect and transparency.
He also encouraged parish and town councils and clerks to engage with Project Keystone, our strategic review of support for the sector. Alongside this, he highlighted NORA, our new AI-powered resource assistant, and our Artificial Intelligence Network as examples of how we are helping councils access practical guidance and make the most of new technology.
Concluding his address, Cllr Hamilton celebrated the contribution clerks make every day to their communities, describing them as "connectors, communicators and catalysts" and stating clerks' work would be central to shaping the future of local democracy and ensuring communities have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.
