Class of 2023/24

Braunstone Town Council, Leicestershire and Rutland

Braunstone Town Council (BTC) has demonstrated remarkable achievements across various initiatives, showcasing their dedication to community welfare and progress.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the council initiated a comprehensive support service two days after the first lockdown. This service, closely coordinated with the district council, catered to residents' essential needs, helping with shopping, mailing, and more.

A pivotal effort was made to enhance transportation and recreational opportunities through improved walking and cycling connections. In collaboration with various councils, the initiative sought to facilitate cycling and walking routes, establishing vital links within the community connecting transportation hubs, retail zones, leisure spots, and employment areas.

Recognising the need for accessible healthcare, especially in regions with limited GP services and transportation challenges, the council worked closely with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to set up a GP branch surgery. The strategic location of this facility in the community centre significantly alleviated accessibility issues for residents, further serving as a COVID-19 vaccination centre.

Another notable achievement was the transformation of land initially designated for road construction into a park, achieved through collaboration with planners and developers. This initiative contributed to the community's well-being by repurposing land for recreational use, aligning with sustainable urban development goals.

Regarding cultural and educational enrichment, the council effectively managed the community library, ensuring the retention of paid staff while incorporating volunteer opportunities to drive community events and social inclusion initiatives. These efforts ranged from children's reading sessions to heritage displays, emphasising diverse educational and cultural activities.

Furthermore, substantial improvements were made to crucial community spaces. The significant refurbishment of the sports pavilion, tennis courts, and play area in Shakespeare Park, coupled with initiatives like warm spaces to address rising fuel costs and inflation, reflected the council's dedication to enhancing community facilities and managing the residents' immediate needs.

Moreover, recognising the urgent need to address environmental challenges, the council adopted a forward-thinking climate change & environmental strategy. The aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050, coupled with substantial carbon reduction initiatives like installing solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points, showcased their dedication to sustainability and a greener future.

Cllr Lorna Berrett, Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council, Oxfordshire

Cllr Lorna Berrett has worked tirelessly during her eight years as a councillor to improve the services offered by Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council and to develop new services, making contributions towards improved parish facilities such as public art, new play equipment, bus stops and the running of valued events such as the Remembrance Day service.

The clearest example of Cllr Berrett’s positive impact is the leading role she took to ensure that vulnerable residents were supported during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked with the district council to find volunteer support for shielding residents and set up the ‘Botley Responders’ network for rapid information sharing during lockdown. Three years later, the Botley Responders are still going strong with Cllr Berrett’s involvement.

Before joining the council, Cllr Berrett was part of a group that set up the community’s first website for local information. Under her leadership, the council established a Communications Committee, which Cllr Berrett chaired for eight years. She also led the council’s transition to a modern website and set up its Facebook page. Cllr Berrett actively updates these platforms and responds quickly to public queries raised through them. She also engages directly with residents through in-person events and the Botley Responders network.

Two recent examples show how Cllr Berrett manages challenges to deliver successful projects. She leads a public art project that has seen new murals and sculptures installed in a redeveloped shopping centre, mediating between stakeholders including artists, residents, an arts charity, district council officers and the shopping centre’s management company to arrive at final products the community enjoys.

Cllr Berrett also chaired the Management Committee for a new community hall that opened in 2020, working with contractors and committee members to ensure that the facilities were delivered as planned and met the community’s needs.

For several months before the recent election, Cllr Berrett encouraged many residents to stand as a councillor. Now serving as council chair, Cllr Berrett puts in extra effort to ensure the smooth transition of new councillors by helping with forms, e-mail addresses, and general concerns. She simultaneously led the selection and appointment of the council’s new clerk and responsible finance offer.

Finally, serving the public remains Cllr Berrett’s primary motivation. A great example is her organisation of the All in One Room event in December, which brought together around 100 local volunteers who were thanked for their contributions and encouraged to share ideas and good practices across local organisations.

Cllr Cameron Palin, East Cowes Town Council, Isle of Wight

Cllr Cameron Palin has exhibited exceptional dedication and innovation in enhancing the local community, establishing significant initiatives that have positively impacted the town.

As one of the key figures spearheading the creation of a community market hosted in the town hall, he has facilitated a monthly event showcasing up to 15 Small Market Enterprises. This initiative has broadened the choices for residents with locally sourced products and provided crucial support to local businesses.

Moreover, he was pivotal in supporting a local charity to establish a community hub. This hub organises free events courses and serves as a Ukrainian support hub. Additionally, he was instrumental in establishing a new community building and library. This multi-functional space has become a hub for various community events, housing a library, a tourist information point, and council offices.

Cllr Palin's proactive approach is evident in his involvement in a council-led group focused on collaborating with the local ferry operator to alleviate congestion in the town. He consistently engages with the community through monthly surgeries in vital community spaces, effectively addressing residents' concerns and informing them about council plans and outcomes from previous meetings.

Moreover, his excellent communication skills are showcased through various channels, including a yearly newsletter, extensive use of social media for public engagement, and consistent personal presence at community events and meetings. He strives to make the community's voice heard and actively involves residents in local decision-making processes.

Cllr Palin demonstrated exceptional organisational abilities and collaborative teamwork by overseeing major events like Party in the Park, Queens Jubilee, and the Kings' coronation. His ability to recognise his strengths and delegate tasks demonstrates his commitment to successful project execution. His dedication is further highlighted by his ability to balance his role as a town councillor with a full-time job, family responsibilities, and other community roles.

Lastly, his active engagement with residents in the ward and collaboration with other councils exemplifies his dedication to representing and advocating for the community's best interests. His proactive and innovative approach has led to significant positive changes and improvements.

Essex Association of Local Councils

The Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) has made significant strides in enhancing its services and support to meet the evolving needs of its membership.

Restructuring the workforce, including critical appointments of a grant funding administrator and an experienced head of member enquiries, has proved highly beneficial, receiving positive feedback and regular engagement from clerks, chairs, councillors, and local associations.

Central to EALC's success is its responsive approach, gathering structured feedback to tailor training courses that align with their members' needs. They have expanded their training offerings, covering essential topics such as budget and finance, allotment management, CiLCA, and practical subjects like playground inspections and cemetery administration. Courses are scheduled during and outside regular office hours, focusing on popular weekend sessions.

Member satisfaction remains paramount, gauged through continuous feedback from various stakeholders. EALC actively seeks improvements and efficiency in communication, employing tools like 'Mailchimp' to efficiently disseminate correspondence, email blasts, and newsletters. This system aids member contact improvement, tracking unread emails and ensuring critical communications are acknowledged and addressed.

Collaboration with grant funding partner organisations like Essex County Council and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is fundamental. EALC is proactive in facilitating timely grant applications, administering 359 funds worth £668,302.50 during the last financial year to address pressing needs in Essex.

A notable achievement is EALC's vigorous promotion of Local Council Award Scheme accreditation, with a rising number of member councils achieving this recognition. EALC actively supports its members at all levels, providing unlimited access to guidance and support via various channels, including email, telephone, and one-to-one sessions.

EALC's commitment to quality training is underscored by investments in enhanced multimedia audiovisual systems, which improve accessibility to in-house and online courses. Additionally, they have expanded their meeting and training facility, further aiding compelling learning experiences for participants.

Moreover, EALC's engagement extends beyond training, with senior executive members and staff actively participating in community initiatives and serving on high-profile bodies. These engagements provide valuable insights and information to members, reinforcing the importance of the local council sector and advocating for their needs at both county and national levels.

Andrea Mann, Odiham Parish Council, Hampshire

Andrea Mann's tenure at Odiham Parish Council in Hampshire since November 2019 has been transformative. She revamped internal processes, enhancing financial transparency and budgeting proficiency. Andrea introduced innovative initiatives like the Village Centre Action Plan, shaped by community consultation, leading to successful grant acquisitions for community projects. The council completed multiple community improvements while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Andrea's remarkable contributions have elevated the council's performance and community engagement, making her a standout leader.

Andrea diligently collaborated with councillors and the community after a 2018 vote of no confidence for the council due to poor community communication. Her efforts resulted in Odiham winning Hampshire Association of Local Councils (HALC) Council of the Year in 2021 and Village of the Year in 2022. She fostered extensive community engagement and volunteer involvement in various projects. Moreover, Andrea provided crucial support for nine out of ten newly appointed councillors in 2019, enabling them to navigate their roles within legal parameters effectively. Her leadership has restored the council's relationship with the community and empowered its council members.

In 2019, when Hampshire County Council (HCC) announced the closure of the Odiham branch library, community discontent surged. Andrea stepped in and skillfully negotiated with HCC. Her efforts led to transferring the building to the council and establishing a thriving volunteer-run community library boasting over 600 active members. Undertaking the restoration of a Grade II listed building with maintenance needs proved to be a monumental task. Andrea secured grants for repair, renegotiated leases, managed utility contracts, and crafted a compelling business case for the building's further development as a community hub in collaboration with councillors. Andrea's unwavering tenacity propelled remarkable progress despite pandemic-related challenges such as material shortages and escalating costs.

Andrea excels in striking a delicate balance between council leadership and bolstering councillors in their roles. She fosters open dialogue, offers valuable suggestions, conducts thorough research, and actively seeks external funding for projects. Andrea has expertly established frameworks that encourage collaboration between councillors and community members, ensuring that outcomes align with residents' priorities.

Recent successes under her guidance include the installation of picnic benches in the council-owned recreation spaces, adding a new community hub restroom, and a comprehensive program to restore 70 council-owned benches, complete with a map showcasing locations and suggested walking routes. Andrea has also orchestrated vibrant street parties for the Jubilee and Coronation, delighting around 2,000 residents with diverse entertainment offerings. Her leadership shines in these community-enhancing initiatives.