NALC launches groundbreaking AI assistant for parish and town councils
We have launched our groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) powered online assistant that will transform how members access trusted information and guidance.
NALC's Online Resource Assistant (NORA) marks a major step forward in the sector's use of artificial intelligence. Designed specifically for parish and town councils, it gives members a faster and simpler way to navigate our extensive knowledge and expertise.
Members can ask NORA questions in plain English and receive clear answers grounded in our resource library. Unlike general-purpose AI tools that draw on information from across the internet, NORA uses trusted resources developed specifically for the parish and town council sector.
Members do not need to know the title of an advice note, the correct search terms or the terminology used in a publication. Members can explain what they want to know, ask follow-up questions and explore an issue through conversation.
NORA can support members across a wide range of topics, including council meetings, governance, employment and finance. It also provides links to the resources used in each response, allowing users to check the source, understand the wider context and read more.
The launch represents a significant investment in improving member support and making our growing library of advice, guidance and publications more accessible. It will help parish and town councils save time, find the right information more easily and use AI with greater confidence.
NORA complements, rather than replaces, the support and professional advice we offer or is available through county associations. Members should check the linked resources and seek further advice where appropriate.
The AI assistant is currently included as part of our membership and is available to logged-in users from member councils and county associations, subject to fair use.
By bringing trusted sector knowledge together with the power of AI, NORA opens an exciting new chapter in how we support parish and town councils to serve their communities.
Members can [log in and start using NORA] or read the [NORA guidelines] for more information.
