A view from our window

The View from our Window W/E 30th October 2026

We have had quite the week this week! We enjoyed Monday’s standards seminar in Aylesbury where we heard from the fantastic Becky Walsh, amongst other speakers from both Bucks and Milton Keynes Councils. Thank you to all who attended and engaged, asked questions and made the day a success. Tuesday saw the last CiLCA session of 2026; then Thursday was our (postponed) first session of our Leadership in the Community course. Dan Purchese kept the room focused on the good that can be done within our communities when we listen to, respect and take interest in all voices – regardless of how quiet they might be. We look forward to session 2 on the 19th of November and a huge thanks to Perri and the team over at Campbell Park for allowing us use of their fantastic facility.

THIS WEEK:

PROTECTING EMPLOYEE INFORMATION: EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

As Councils, you hold a significant amount of personal information about your employees, from contact details and payroll records to training, attendance and health-related information. Protecting this data is not only a legal requirement under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, but also essential for maintaining trust, confidentiality and professionalism in the workplace.

Employee information should only be accessed by those who need it for legitimate business purposes, stored securely, and shared appropriately. By following data protection policies, using secure systems, and remaining vigilant against cyber threats and accidental disclosures, we can all play a part in safeguarding colleagues’ personal information and ensuring the council meets its obligations as a responsible employer.

For further information on data protection and GDPR regulations, our expert partner Breakthrough Communications will offer a free, 30 minute initial support call. If you require support in GDPR, FOI or communications matters, please fill in the member support request form on our website.

REMEMBRANCE EVENTS

The Royal British Legion

We have this week been asked for advice relating to wreath laying at civic and remembrance events. In particular, whether they might be laid by political parties. We have reached out to the Principle Authorities and to the Royal British Legion to consider what they suggest as this is one area in law which is relatively quiet. So, the following advice is based on a governance interpretation of what is there, and on best practice. Please keep in mind, of course, that you may already have a policy in place. 

“The laying of wreaths may be undertaken by councillors acting in their capacity as elected members of their Council, including on behalf of a group of councillors on the Council. However, we would suggest that wreaths should not be laid explicitly on behalf of a political party or in a manner that promotes party-political identity. This approach ensures that such events remain non-political, inclusive, and dignified, honouring service and sacrifice on behalf of the whole community.”

Please also see the link below, a helpful part of RBL’s website: 

Remembrance and Order of Precedence

INSPIRING WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT – FINALIST

Mel does not like the fuss, but we are so proud to share that she has been confirmed as a finalist in this year’s ‘Inspiring Women in Local Government’ awards! Please join us in congratulating her, the awards ceremony being held in December are set to be very exciting.

UPCOMING BMKALC TRAINING

Managing Challenging Situations in Council Settings

17th November at 11:00am (Online) – Having had a fantastic day discussing standards and behaviour at our seminar on Monday, this upcoming session is the perfect follow-on for Councils wishing to gain clear guidance on recognising and managing challenging situations involving councillors, both within meetings and in wider council interactions.

HR Essentials for Councils- Managing Staff

24th November at 6:30pm (Online) – This session will cover performance management (support) and appraisals; managing sickness and consistent absences and employee relations – managing conflict/difficult conversations

Chairing Skills

Tuesday 26th January 2027 – 6.30pm (In Person) – This interactive session is designed to strengthen your leadership and elevate the effectiveness of your Council. You will gain a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and influence of a Chairperson; discover how effective leadership can enhance the profile and reputation of your council; explore how to run productive, well-structured meetings and support sound decision-making and strengthen your working partnership with the Clerk to achieve better outcomes.

For all training queries, please email training@bucksalc.gov.uk and check our website for course listings.

LEGEND ON THE BENCH

We received an email from a volunteer at ‘Legend on the Bench’ a UK-wide suicide prevention charity. They have asked for us to pass on their campaign in the hopes that more benches can be installed across the country to help save lives. Please take a look at their website and pass this information on to your wider Council.

“We install purpose-built benches in parks and public spaces across the UK. Each bench displays contact numbers and QR codes connecting anyone in crisis to 24-hour support services, with built-in lighting so it’s accessible at night. They cost £2,000 to fund and install — a permanent, maintenance-free community asset that can genuinely save lives. 

We’re reaching out to Parish and Town Councils across the country to ask whether they’d consider funding a bench in their community — either through their grants budget, their Section 137 discretionary fund, or by acting as a catalyst for local fundraising. Many councils have supported us this way, and the results speak for themselves.”

Visit the Legend on the Bench website for further information.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP – NEWSLETTER

BMKALC have been represented on the Board of the Natural Environment Partnership (NEP) since 2025.  We felt that the voice of Parish and Town Councils was essential and that we could play an important part in getting the message out into our Councils and our wider communities.

The NEP is pleased to share their first edition of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Newsletter!

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to LNRS delivery so far. We hope you enjoy reading about the great work taking place across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support nature recovery in the months ahead.”

NALC AGM REMINDER

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the National Assembly oversee NALC’s operations. County associations appoint voting representatives to the AGM to establish their strategic objectives, services, and resource needs. Those representatives also elect officeholders and committee members. The next NALC AGM is scheduled for 12th November 2026.

View the Agenda on the NALC website, please note you must be logged in to view this page.

CiLCA 2026 WRAP UP

We have officially concluded our 2026 CiLCA sessions this week, with all delegates having completed the 6 in-person study sessions required to go on and complete their portfolios of work! We wish all students the very best in their next steps and we hope you enjoy learning more about this unique and rewarding role within local government.

The mandatory introduction to CiLCA sessions for 2027 are now live on our website, so if you are interested in joining us next year, we would recommend booking sooner rather than later!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, we will speak with you next week.

Kind regards, 

Jess, Mel & Lorraine