NALC deepens sector engagement at NACO event

We attended the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) Annual Training Event and Annual General Meeting, which brought together civic officers from parish and town councils and principal authorities from across the country. It provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the sector and deepen our understanding of the issues they face.

A key session focused on Cumberland Council's experience of local government reorganisation, and in particular its efforts to protect the role of Mayor of Carlisle, an office with a history stretching back to the 1100s. The session outlined the practical steps taken to preserve mayoral functions alongside market charters, civic regalia, long-standing military connections, and a range of other historic privileges. This kind of first-hand insight is directly relevant to the work we do supporting parish and town councils through local government reorganisation.

The session also highlighted the implications of Carlisle's decision to adopt a charter trust model rather than establish a parish or town council. In practice, this has resulted in disadvantages in both status and resources compared to what a parish or town council would have provided.

The open-mic workshop allowed us to hear a broad range of issues being raised across the sector, including significant civic dates, flag protocols, and community governance reviews. Other sessions explored the opportunities and risks that social media and AI present to mayoral offices and provided updated guidance on the ceremonial response to the death of a senior national figure.

We value our engagement with partners across the sector, which allows us to stay informed, build relationships across local government, and bring better knowledge and support back to our members.