Pay Offer Agreed, Local Councils Explained, Martyn’s Law Update, Awards Season, BMKALC Are Recruiting
Dear Colleagues,
Obviously as schools disgorged tired teachers and hyper children, the sun took a break and the clouds gathered! It was always thus, but today the sunshine returns and with it the round up of the weeks adventures!
We started off with the BC in-person Clerks forum in Wycombe then Aylesbury, with presentations from the Highways, Parking and Community Boards. On Tuesday Samantha from the One Uniform project was also able to join us to talk about the progress to the single Unitary planning portal. I enjoyed meeting Councillors from Hazlemere Parish Council for a bespoke training session, caught up with my fellow County Officers from around the country on Wednesday, Thursday was spent on researching some trickier questions that had come in and before I knew it, Friday was here.
We were pleased to receive the notice of the agreed pay offer and the pay scales have been updated. As always councils should seek to implement these as quickly as possible, backdated to the start of the financial year and don’t forget those employees who may have been with you for some of this year but have now left. This will also affect your pension contributions.
NALC reminded us of the all-new digital edition of Local Councils Explained, we have secured permission to print this locally and are waiting on the print ready pdf from NALC so that we can obtain quotes. Personally whilst I support the initiative to reduce the carbon footprint, I also recognise that it is not always possible to access digital information on mobile phones in remote areas. Once we have a price, we’ll be in touch to ask you if you wish to commit to a printed copy before we proceed with our order.
A major breakthrough for parish and town councils is the notice that government has backed a proposal to reintroduce remote and hybrid council meetings, we’ve yet to see any practical details of how this will be achieved, again consideration to those without the technology or resource will need to be considered.
There are now three advice notes in NALC with the third being published today to assist you with Martyn’s Law. You will need your login to access them.
NALC’s partner CCLA has announced that subject to regulatory approval, they are being acquired by Jupiter Fund Management PLC. They have informed us that local government associations and member councils, and the other bodies they work for, will see no difference. The same marketing team will be out and about at events and meetings.
It’s Awards Season.
We have The SLCC Annual Awards 2025 are open for nominations! It’s a chance to celebrate the incredible clerks who are instrumental to parish and town councils nationwide. Whether it’s a new clerk shaking up the sector, a long-serving officer dedicated to decades of service, or a volunteer going above and beyond, these awards recognise at every level. With nominations open until 15 August 2025, help honour those making a real difference in their communities.
We also have the NALC Star Council Awards with multiple categories
- Council of the Year — Honouring councils that exemplify excellence in service delivery and impact, leadership, collaboration and community engagement and we have two previous holders of this award in our area
- Councillor of the Year — Acknowledging councillors whose efforts have made a significant difference in their community.
- Young Councillor of the Year — Celebrating the contributions of young leaders who bring fresh perspectives and energy to local governance.
- Climate Response of the Year — Highlighting innovative projects that show an understanding of climate change and how its impact is being mitigated locally.
- County Association of the Year — Showcasing the support county associations provide councils through guidance, training, events, managing projects and producing publications.
- Clerk of the Year — Recognising exceptional clerks whose dedication and expertise have significantly impacted their council. Yes, Clerks have two opportunities this year!
I know that we are very good as a sector at throwing our weaknesses into the spotlight and hiding our successes under a bushel! Lets reverse that trend. We do so much which collectively makes a difference. It’s time to acknowledge, celebrate and share the inspiration and practical steps to repeat the good work all around our patch. So start nominating before you go on your summer holibobs! (Yes, I know it’s not a real word, but it is Friday, I’ve had a very serious week and the sun is shining!)
Finally, take a look at our Recruitment page, currently five opportunities listed and please let us know if you have a vacancy which you would like us to advertise for you, remember advertising your vacancy is free to our members.
Lorraine and I will look forward to speaking with you next week, no more training from us now until September but plenty of house keeping and planning to keep us busy. We wish you a restful and happy weekend.
Kind regards
Mel & Lorraine