Clerk Wellbeing and Personal Safety
As the mornings and evenings become darker, it is a good time to remind you all about your personal safety not just at those times, but throughout your working day. Many Clerks may be sole workers and may not have access to a dedicated office. Good practice includes avoiding meetings in private homes, arranging meetings in public venues wherever possible, and ensuring that another councillor or colleague is aware of appointments and locations.
Councils, as employers, have a responsibility to consider lone working arrangements and support appropriate risk management measures. Clerks are also encouraged to review their own working practices, maintain up-to-date emergency contact details and consider establishing a buddy system for meetings and site visits.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides a range of practical guidance and resources on personal safety, lone working and managing risks in public-facing roles.
Visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website for practical personal safety advice and resources.
The New National Planning Policy Framework
The government has published a letter from Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, to the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, setting out expectations for the implementation of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The letter explains how the revised framework has been designed to provide a clearer and more comprehensive approach to planning policy, while supporting the government’s ambitions for increased housing delivery, economic growth and sustainable development.
Read the Minister’s Letter: View the Publication
Introducing NORA – NALC’s Online Resource Assistant
NALC has launched NORA (NALC’s Online Resource Assistant), a new AI-powered tool designed specifically for parish and town councils.
NORA provides members with a faster and simpler way to find information, guidance and resources, helping users access relevant content without needing to know specific search terms or navigate multiple webpages.
The service is available to logged-in members, subject to fair use provisions. Councils and officers who do not yet have an online account are encouraged to register to gain access to NORA and the full range of member benefits available through NALC membership.
Find Out More: Access NORA | Register for Member Access
BMKALC Training and Event Reminders
A reminder of the wide range of training and development opportunities available through BMKALC. Whether you are a new councillor, an experienced clerk, or looking to refresh your knowledge, our training programme offers sessions covering governance, finance, planning, employment, community engagement and more.
Browse All Available Training: View the BMKALC Training Programme
Popular Upcoming Topics Include:
- Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors and Clerks
- Finance, Audit and AGAR
- Planning and Planning Enforcement
- Councillor Essentials
- Governance and Legal Powers
- Employment and HR Best Practice
- Community Engagement and Communications
Places on many courses are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Current Consultations
We encourage councils to participate in consultations that may affect local communities, local government services and the wider parish and town council sector.
Buckinghamshire Local Plan (Regulation 19)
Buckinghamshire Council is consulting on the publication version of the draft Local Plan before submission to the Planning Inspectorate. This is the opportunity for councils and residents to comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. The consultation closes on 20 October 2026.
View the Consultation:Buckinghamshire Local Plan (Regulation 19)
Your Bucks, Your Say – Budget Consultation 2027/28
Buckinghamshire Council is inviting residents, businesses and community organisations to help shape its budget priorities for 2027/28. This consultation provides an opportunity to influence how council resources are prioritised in the coming year. The consultation closes on 18 October 2026.
Take Part:Your Bucks, Your Say Budget Consultation
Proposed New Framework of Proper Practices for Category 2 Authorities
The Smaller Authorities Proper Practices Panel (SAPPP) is consulting on proposed changes to the proper practices framework for parish and town councils in England, including a new Code of Practice for Internal Audit. The consultation remains open until 31 October 2026.
Respond to the Consultation: View the SAPPP Consultation
Milton Keynes Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
Milton Keynes City Council is seeking feedback on its draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy to ensure it reflects local priorities and experiences. The consultation closes on 26 October 2026.
Have Your Say: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Consultation
Further Consultations
Additional Buckinghamshire Council consultations, including highway, traffic and parking proposals, can be found via the Your Voice Bucks consultation portal. Milton Keynes City Council consultations can be viewed through their consultation hub.
Consultation Portals: Buckinghamshire Council – Your Voice Bucks & Milton Keynes City Council Consultations
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, we look forward to speaking with you next week.
Kind regards,
Jess, Mel and Lorraine