Dear Colleagues,
As we move into September, attention begins to turn towards autumn budgets, staffing matters, training and governance. This week we are sharing several useful employment and HR resources from our expert partners, recognising excellence across the sector through the Star Council Awards, and highlighting upcoming opportunities for learning and development.
THIS WEEK:
- Civility and Respect Pledge
- 2026/27 National Salary Award Agreed
- Employment and HR Updates from WorkNest
- Free Jury Service Employer Guide
- NALC Star Council Awards 2026/27
- Training and Event Reminders
Reminder! The deadline is looming – Buckinghamshire Local Plan 2045 representations must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday 6 September 2026. Further information can be found here: Parish & Town Council Regulation 19 Representation Toolkit – BMKALC
Civility and Respect Pledge
NALC’s Civility and Respect Working Group has launched a new video aimed specifically at smaller councils, highlighting the benefits of signing up to the Civility and Respect Pledge.
The video features representatives from NALC, county associations, councillors and clerks sharing their experiences of adopting the pledge and the positive impact it has had on council culture and governance.
As smaller councils make up the majority of local councils nationally, their participation is essential if the sector is to achieve its ambition of making civility and respect the norm across local government.
If your council has not yet signed up, we encourage you to watch the video and discuss the pledge with your members.
View the Civility and Respect Pledge Resource:
Watch the Video and Find Out More
2026/27 National Salary Award Agreed
The National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services has formally agreed the 2026/27 pay settlement, effective from 1 April 2026. Employers are encouraged to implement the award as soon as possible.
Key Changes
- A 3.30% increase has been applied across the NJC pay spine.
- SCP 2 has been deleted with effect from 1 April 2026.
- The increase applies to employees covered by NJC terms and conditions, including parish and town council staff employed under the model contract.
- Relevant allowances have also increased by 3.30%.
- Employers are recommended to pay arrears due to former employees who left after 1 April 2026 where requested.
Employment and HR Updates from WorkNest
Our Expert Partners at WorkNest have several free webinars available over the coming weeks which may be particularly useful for councils as employers.
Preparing for October’s Employment Law Reforms: Your Employer Action Plan
Eleven important employment law reforms are expected to take effect this October, introducing new employer duties and expanding employee rights across several employment areas.
3 September 2026 at 2.00pm online
Join WorkNest’s Employment Law and HR specialists as they explain the reforms, the implications for employers and the practical steps councils should be taking now.
Contracts & Compliance: Minimising Employment Risk
Employment contracts and employee handbooks are more than administrative documents. They establish expectations, support compliance and provide important protection when workplace issues arise.
This webinar explores how robust contracts and documentation can help councils minimise employment risk and manage employees with confidence.
30 September 2026 | 2pm online
Preventing Harassment at Work: What Employers Need to Know
Recent legislative changes have increased employer responsibilities in relation to workplace harassment.
WorkNest’s latest webinar will help employers understand their obligations, identify risks and implement practical measures to create safer workplaces.
24 September 2026 | 2pm online
Free Resource: Managing Jury Service
An employee being called for jury service can often generate a range of practical and employment-related questions.
WorkNest has produced a helpful guide:
“10 Things Every Employer Should Keep in Mind When an Employee is Called for Jury Service”
The guide covers:
- Employee rights and employer responsibilities
- Whether employees should continue to be paid
- When postponement may be considered
- Managing operational pressures
- Supporting employees before, during and after jury service
NALC Star Council Awards 2026/27
NALC is now accepting nominations for the Star Council Awards 2026/27, recognising the outstanding achievements of parish and town councils, councillors and clerks across the sector.
The awards celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, service delivery and community engagement, providing an opportunity to showcase the exceptional work taking place within local councils across England.
If you know a councillor, clerk or council whose efforts deserve recognition, we encourage you to consider submitting a nomination.
Find out more about the Star Council Awards
Training and Event Reminders
A reminder of upcoming BMKALC events and training:
Understanding AGAR – A Step-by-Step Guide to your Year End & Annual Return
30th September 2026 | 6.30pm – 8.30pm online
BMKALC Annual General Meeting
14th September 2026 | 6pm – 8pm
Campbell Park Community Hub, Milton Keynes
Councillor Essentials, parts 1-3
5th, 12th and 19th October | 6.30pm online
We hope you enjoy the long Bank Holiday weekend, and we look forward to welcoming Mel back and seeing many of you at our forthcoming events and training sessions!
Kind regards,
Lorraine & Jess