Improvement and Development Board
We also manage the Improvement and Development Board (IDB), which we set up in 2013 with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) to oversee the sector's improvement and development initiatives strategy. It includes representatives from county associations, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Local Government Association (LGA).
The IDB's core aims are to support county associations, SLCC branches, and county training partnerships by providing strategic direction and a forum for discussion, consultation, and collaboration on improvement and development initiatives. Engage with government departments, the LGA and stakeholders on improvement and development issues affecting parish and town councils. Promote and maintain quality and consistency, and develop a sustainable funding model for sector improvement and development initiatives
The IDB oversees key programmes such as the Local Council Award Scheme, Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), and local councillor training packs.
This year's meetings are on 3 February 2026, 5 March 2026, 3 June 2026, 10 September 2026 and 5 November 2026.
Members
- James Alexander (independent chair)
- Cllr Mike Drew, National Association of Local Councils
- Jonathan Owen, National Association of Local Councils
- Charlotte Eisenhart, Association of Democratic Services Officers
- Mel Woof, County Officers Forum
- Wendy Amis, Derbyshire Association of Local Councils
- Helen Bennett, Lawyers in Local Government
- Cllr David Fothergill, Local Government Association Improvement and Innovation Board
- Mia Shelton, Local Government Association
- Amria Khatum, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Annie Child, Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments
- Adam Keppel-Green, Society of Local Councils Clerks
- Rob Smith, Society of Local Council Clerks
