A view from our window

The View from our Window W/E 23rd October 2026

We have had a busy week this week and our View reflects that in how much information we have to pass on to you! Please do take a moment to look through and click the links provided, as there are not only relevant and important updates, but interesting information contained that may aid you and your Council in future.

Firstly, and maybe most importantly, a word from Mel..

Last week I had the privilege of attending three venues which through the vision of their council, PWLB loans and grants and endless energy and determination are now bringing enormous positive impact on their communities.

Campbell Park Community Hub who a number of you have now visited, emerged in 2025 like the proverbial phoenix on the site of a demolished pub, Aylesbury Railway Club was snapped up, renovated and returned as a destination for multiple community groups and Bletchley and Fenny Stratford TC have completed and launched their new home.

Bletchley and Fenny Stratford TC have transformed their site, linking the listed home of the TC with an innovative and multipurpose building linking to a former barn. The bright new building blends and respects history and the opportunity for a bright future.

Aylesbury Railway Club was the venue for the Honorary Recorders Dinner. HH Judge Francis Sheridan was appointed as Honorary Recorder of Aylesbury by the Town Council in May 2012 and this dinner both thanks him for his support to the Council and the Town and brings together the Civic and Judicial community.

The point of this update is not solely to applaud the efforts of these three councils, but to encourage all our councils to think beyond simply keeping the lights on.

We can do so much more.

Capture your ambitions and start to think how you might go about bringing them into being.

We are always happy to listen to your ideas and see if we can help deliver them.

[Mel Woof, BMKALC CEO & Keith Grey]

*~(Mel was recognised at the Recorders Dinner for her services and support to Aylesbury Town Council and Councillors and Clerks in Buckinghamshire.)~*

QUICK LOOK:

UPCOMING BMKALC TRAINING – PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!

New! Managing Challenging Situations in Council Settings -17th of November at 11am Online – BMKALC

17th November at 11:00am (Online) – A practical session designed to help council officers and councillors navigate difficult situations confidently and professionally.

HR Essentials for Councils- Managing Staff – November 24th at 6.30pm – Online – BMKALC

24th November at 6:30pm (Online) – Covering key employment and people management issues relevant to local councils.

GET TECH CERTIFIED – FREE DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

The Government Digital and Data Hub’s Get Tech Certified campaign is offering public sector staff access to more than 250 free learning and certification pathways until 31 December 2026.

This opportunity is open to:

  • Anyone curious about digital and technology skills
  • Government Digital and Data professionals
  • Public sector colleagues working alongside digital teams

Whether you are looking to future-proof your career, develop new digital skills or gain recognised certifications, there is something available for all levels of experience.

The campaign also includes a dedicated Women in Techprogramme featuring additional learning and networking opportunities.

NEW 2026 SLCC CLERKS’ MANUAL AVAILABLE

The latest edition of the SLCC Clerks’ Manual is now available via their website.

This practical reference guide remains one of the most valuable resources available to clerks, bringing together professional guidance, best practice and day-to-day operational advice.

Three reasons to order your copy:

Your first place to look – the answer to most questions, most of the time.

More practical, more relevant – updated to reflect modern clerking with clearer guidance, examples and tools.

Part of a bigger toolkit – complemented by the SLCC Advice Library, Smart Search and Advice Line.

SLCC Member Price: £43.80 (VAT zero-rated) Non-Member Price: £66.75 (VAT zero-rated)

CILCA UPDATE

Please note that the next intake under the updated CiLCA programme is expected to begin from February 2027, with Mel’s revised schedule and structure due to be announced next week.

(If you have already registered for the introductory session in March, we will contact you directly with further information.)

LGPS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MANUAL 2026/27

The updated LGPS Roles and Responsibilities Manual is now available on their website.

The latest revision includes clarification on Qualifying Additional Pension Arrangements (QAPAs), including guidance on authorised unpaid absences lasting more than 15 days.

While the most significant amendments are on pages 40-45, employers are encouraged to review the document in full.

Questions can be directed to your Employer Liaison Officer or via: employers@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

STOKE MANDEVILLE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

Buckinghamshire Council is inviting organisations to submit proposals for future community use of part of the former Buckinghamshire County Council Sports and Social Club site on Lower Road, Stoke Mandeville.

The site has been vacant since 2017 and the council is seeking sustainable ideas that:

  • Meet local community needs
  • Deliver long-term benefits for residents
  • Make productive use of a valuable local asset

There is also potential for future school expansion on part of the site, creating further opportunities to support children and families.

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 2025 REFORMS – EFFECTIVE 30 OCTOBER 2026

Further changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 come into force next week and councils should review their current arrangements.

Key Changes

Harassment Prevention Duties

Employers must now take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

There is also a new requirement to take reasonable preventative measures against harassment by third parties, including customers, clients and visitors.

Download WorkNest’s guide to the harassment prevention changes.

You can download the updated policy here and use it to update your Employee Handbook.

WorkNest recommends reviewing your risk assessment first so you can tailor the policy to the risks identified in your Council.

Trade Union Access Rights

New statutory rights will allow independent trade unions to request physical and digital access to workplaces with 21 or more workers.

The new arrangements are intended to support:

  • Meeting and engaging with workers
  • Representation and support
  • Recruitment and collective bargaining

Please note, the separate requirement to give workers a statement of their right to join a trade union has been postponed to January 2027.

WorkNest’s Employment Law Team has prepared the following resources to help you understand the changes and prepare:

COMING UP…

Monday 26th October – BMKALC Raising the Bar: Behaviour, Standards & Public Trust in Local Councils Seminar 

The Gateway Conference Centre, The Oculus, 9.30am – 3.30pm. 

Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive case studies, delegates will leave better equipped to navigate today’s challenges while raising standards across their councils.

Wednesday 28th October – Buckinghamshire Council Parish Liaison Meeting

The Gateway Conference Centre, Diamond Room (In Person), tea and coffee from 5:30pm, meeting running 6pm – 7:30pm.

A valuable opportunity to hear updates, share local issues and connect with council colleagues from across the county.

Thursday 29th October – The Experienced Councillor: Leadership In The Community (Part 1 of 2)

Campbell Park Community Hub, Council Chamber, Springfield Boulevard, Springfield, Milton Keynes MK6 3JS, 10am to 4pm.

Designed for town and parish councillors who want to deepen their impact and rediscover the purpose behind their role, during this interactive workshop we will explore the essence of community leadership—what it means, why it matters, and how to do it well.

Please note, this is session one that was postponed from last week. The second session date is yet to be confirmed.

Thursday 12th November – NALC AGM

The NALC Annual General Meeting is being held on 12th November from 10am – 1pm via Zoom.

Here are the links to the final agenda and papers for the meeting as well as the draft Minutes from AGM 2025. 

We hope you all have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday at our Standards Seminar.

Kind regards,

Jess, Mel and Lorraine