CloudyIT: Behind every great council is an exceptional clerk
Author: David Hall, founder and managing director of CloudyIT
When people think about the success of a parish or town council, they often think of councillors, community projects, or local initiatives. Behind the scenes, exceptional clerks often play a key role in making it all possible.
The clerk is the constant, keeping governance on track, supporting elected members, managing finance, ensuring legal compliance, communicating with residents and helping their council navigate an increasingly digital world. It is a role that has evolved significantly in recent years and continues to grow in both complexity and importance.
That is why sponsoring the Clerk of the Year award at the Star Council Awards 2026/27 was an easy decision for CloudyIT. We see first-hand the difference great clerks make, whilst also seeing the challenges they face.
Parish and town councils are expected to deliver more than ever before, often with limited budgets, limited resources and increasing expectations from both councillors and residents. At the same time, technology is moving quickly. Cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and digital services all offer exciting opportunities, but they can also feel overwhelming when presented as separate solutions from different suppliers.
For many years, parish and town councils have had to work with multiple providers: IT support, websites, finance, meeting management, specialist council software, allotments, cemeteries, and bookings; they need a training provider, and now they need a trusted AI partner. While each solution may solve a specific problem, managing them all can create unnecessary complexity.
We believe parish and town councils deserve something better.
At CloudyIT, we're proud to be the only digital partner dedicated to parish and town councils, offering a truly end-to-end service. Rather than simply supplying technology, we work alongside councils as a long-term partner, helping them make practical, affordable digital improvements that strengthen governance and support the people delivering it.
That might mean helping a small parish council move to Microsoft 365, improve cyber security or build digital confidence through training. It might mean supporting a larger council with finance, committee meeting management, broadcasting, AI and other specialist solutions. Whatever the requirement, our approach is the same: understanding each council's priorities, recognising budget constraints and providing practical advice that delivers lasting value.
The advantage is not simply having access to a broad range of services. It is having a partner who understands how they all fit together. Instead of managing multiple suppliers, councils can work with one organisation that understands the sector, the challenges clerks face, and can provide joined-up solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen governance, and support better outcomes for communities.
Technology alone is never enough. It shouldn't replace the clerk's knowledge and professionalism. It should give them more time to focus on governance, support for councillors, and service to their communities. That's the thinking behind everything we do, from our training and consultancy to the digital services we continue to develop for the sector. Sponsoring the Clerk of the Year award is a reflection of that belief.
The future of parish and town councils will always depend on dedicated people who are willing to embrace change while upholding the principles of good governance. Clerks' professionalism, resilience and commitment deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
We are proud to support the Star Council Awards and congratulate every clerk who continues to make a lasting difference to their council and community.
For more information on CloudyIT and the services, products and support we provide the sector, please visit our website, email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 01280 814 684.
The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.
