Four ways NALC services are helping parish and town councils succeed

Every day, parish and town councils across England tackle complex challenges, from governance and legal compliance to community engagement and financial planning. That's why we offer expert advice services designed exclusively for parish and town councils in membership to provide practical support when needed.

Through membership, your parish or town council can access four dedicated advice services in communications and compliance, finance, HR and legal. These services are tailored specifically to parish and town councils' unique responsibilities and pressures.

Here's how these services are making a difference across the sector:

• Communications and compliance advice — Effective communication and regulatory compliance go hand in hand. Through Breakthrough Communications, we provide specialist advice on everything from data protection and Freedom of Information requests to website content and public engagement. We support parish and town councils in building trust and maintaining transparency in an increasingly digital world.
• Finance advice — With rising expectations around transparency and scrutiny, our finance advice service, delivered by DCK Accounting Solutions and Parkinson Partnership LLP, supports parish and town councils with all financial planning and reporting aspects. It includes advice on setting precepts, preparing for audits, and ensuring robust and compliant financial controls.
• HR advice — Staffing matters can often be among the most sensitive and difficult for councils to manage. That's where our partnership with HR specialists WorkNest comes in. From recruitment and contracts to performance management and grievance issues, this service helps parish and town councils fulfil their duties as employers with professionalism and care.
• Legal advice — Our experienced team of solicitors supports parish and town councils with everything from procedural queries to complex legal challenges. Whether clarifying statutory powers, resolving issues around land and leases, or dealing with employment law matters, the service ensures councils can act with confidence and within the law.

These services are not just about solving problems but about building confidence, competence, and resilience within parish and town councils. Working alongside your county association, we ensure that when your parish or town council needs expert advice, it's never far away.

So whether you're facing a tricky legal question, reviewing HR policies, navigating budget season, or planning your next community campaign, remember we are here to help.

For more information or to access these services, contact your county association directly.