Clerk of the Year — Sponsored by Vision ICT

Responsible for the overall management of local councils, clerks play a vital role in local communities and, indeed, local government. We are looking for exceptional candidates for this category; candidates with the strongest leadership, relationship and project management skills; that are highly trained and experienced. This award winner will be a clerk leading in implementing key council objectives for the community’s benefit.

Who can nominate?

Anyone except the nominated clerk.

Criteria

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 theme, please provide a supporting statement of 600 words that uses examples to explain:

1. How the clerk provides leadership and direction.
2. How the clerk has established, maintained and managed relationships internally and externally for the benefit of the council.
3. How the clerk has used innovation and imagination to overcome challenges or manage projects.
4. How the clerk pushes boundaries and works above and beyond the standard requirements of their role.

County Association Project of the Year — Sponsored by CCLA

Local councils can obtain comprehensive advice and support on all aspects of their work through their local county association. This award will be judged on the use of innovative ideas and practices, project delivery and execution, value for money and positive impact across the county. The project should have been executed by the county association rather than by one of its member councils.  

A county associations vote will decide the winner of this award.

Who can nominate?

Anyone. 

A county association member or officer can nominate their own county association. 

Criteria

In the context of this award, the project means an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 theme, please provide a supporting statement of 600 words that outlines:

1. How the project has addressed specific needs.
2. How the project is innovative and enterprising.
3. How the project has benefited the county association and or member councils.
4. How the project has delivered excellent value for money.
5. How the project has been delivered to high standards.

Young Councillor of the Year — Sponsored by DCK Accounting Solutions

NALC would like to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the young councillors representing their communities nationwide. With the average age of councillors currently standing at around 60, young people can face a challenging task in overcoming barriers to becoming elected. This award will recognise a councillor who was 30 or under when last elected and has contributed significantly to their community.

Who can nominate?

Anyone except the nominated councillor.  

A local council member or officer can nominate the councillor and be from the same council. An external party can also nominate.

Criteria

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 theme, please provide a supporting statement of 600 words that uses examples to explain:

1. Aged between 18 and 30.
2. How the councillor has established, maintained and managed relationships with other councillors, officers and workers within the council.
3. How the councillor has improved local services for the community.
4. How the councillor represents, involves and maintains two-way communication with the community.
5. How the councillor pushes boundaries and works above and beyond expectations.

Councillor of the Year — Sponsored by Breakthrough Communications

Councillors play a vital role in their communities – they are local leaders who connect people, facilitate opportunities for involvement and make things happen in their area. This award will recognise and reward those councillors who go over and above what is expected of them; councillors who show absolute dedication to their communities and make positive changes happen. 

Who can nominate?

Anyone except the nominated councillor. 

A local council member or officer can nominate the councillor and be from the same council. An external party can also nominate.

Criteria

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 theme, please provide a supporting statement of 600 words that uses examples to explain:

1. How the councillor has improved local services in the community.
2. How the councillor has represented and involved the community; how the councillor maintains two-way communication with the community, including examples showing how the community has responded.
3. How the councillor has used imagination and ambition to overcome challenges or manage projects.
4. How the councillor pushes boundaries and works above and beyond expectations.

Council of the Year ­— Sponsored by Blachere Illumination

NALC’s Council of the Year will be one that stands apart, raising the bar for the sector with outstanding work across service delivery, service impact on the community, communications, community engagement, partnerships and collaborative working.  

A public vote will decide the winner of this award.

Who can nominate?

Anyone. 

A local council member or officer can nominate their own council. 

Criteria

Keeping in mind the COVID-19 theme, please provide a supporting statement of 600 words that uses examples to explain:

1. How the council has established, maintained and managed effective relationships with other local authorities/organisations.
2. How the council has ensured effective service delivery to residents, improving the quality and range of local services.
3. How the council represents, involves and maintains two-way communication with the community, including examples showing how the community has responded.
4. How the council pushes boundaries and works above and beyond expectations.