The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme (which was launched in June 2003, following the Rural White Paper of 2000 www.defra.gov.uk) was designed to provide a benchmark of minimum standards for parish and town councils and enable them to better represent the communities they serve.

The scheme also aims to provide an enhanced relationship between local councils, principal authorities and community and voluntary sector organisations.

There is guidance on the scheme – The Quality Scheme Explained – which can be downloaded www.nalc.gov.uk. In order to achieve Quality status, parish and town councils must demonstrate that they have reached the standard required by passing several tests. These tests, relate to the:

• Electoral Mandate
• Qualifications of the Clerk
• Council Meetings
• Communications
• Annual Report
• Accounts and
• Code of Conduct

The tests exceed the statutory duties of parish and town councils and represent the standards that an efficient, well run parish council should achieve.

In addition to showing their local communities that they are performing above national minimum standards, Quality councils are in a better position to influence the decision making process and/or take on additional services and areas of responsibility, from their principal local authorities.

The Clerk’s Qualification

To qualify for the Certificate in Local Council Administration (the most straightforward way to qualify as a ‘Quality Clerk’) clerks are required to prepare a portfolio of evidence in order to demonstrate competence in the core topics and skills identified in The National Training Strategy. There is no examination and intensive courses (4 days over 1 month) are available to fast-track clerks through the requirements. There are also free monthly mentoring sessions which can be used to support clerks who wish to proceed with the qualification over a longer period of time.

The requirements for the portfolio can be downloaded www.nalc.gov.uk

and further information can be obtained at www.nalc.gov.uk

including the Chief Verifier’s Report for 2005 www.nalc.gov.uk

and guidance to applicants www.nalc.gov.uk

Further advice and details of training for the CiLCA can also be obtained directly from SALC. If you require information about the bursary that you can apply for to assist with training costs, you can access information at www.nalc.gov.ukand download a form at www.nalc.gov.uk

The core topics and skills fall into the following six areas:-

• Roles and responsibilities
• Law
• Procedures
• Finance
• Planning
• Community Action

Obtaining the degree in Local Policy also qualifies a clerk for the purpose of the scheme: www.glos.ac.uk

Who benefits?

The benefits of this scheme affect three groups:

1. the community
2. the parish or town council itself
3. the principal local authority

1) Community benefits:

• local people will know that the council will be well led and is accountable, visible and representative
• more responsive services - the Quality council will be capable of solving local problems with greater authority and have real ownership and control over services and decisions that effects local lives
• real contact and discussions with their Quality council
• a local access point providing information on services

2) Benefits to the parish or town council itself:

• greater credibility in the eyes of the local community, voluntary and private sectors and principal local authorities
• greater civic pride
• more representative of the local community
• better ability to articulate the needs and wishes of the local community
• it will achieve more by working in partnership with other organisations
• able to demonstrate that it is effectively and properly managed which will install greater confidence in the community
• delivery of more local services - if the council wishes to
• greater involvement by the voluntary and community sector and principal local authorities, e.g. developing parish plans, market town health checks etc
• a better informed community
• a well trained clerk, through the Certificate in Local Council Administration (or University of Gloucestershire qualification in Local Policy)
• Possible more powers and funding in the future.

3) Principal Authority benefits

• reassurance that the Quality council has been independently assessed and is therefore capable of working with the principal authority and can deliver services on their behalf or in partnership
• reliable evidence of the competence of the Quality council, through the four year re-assessment process
• proof that the Quality council is willing and able to be fully involved in local issues (this will be particularly valuable when implementing new initiatives)
• stronger partnership working, with the town or parish council bringing their local perspective and experience to the table. Quality councils should be more innovative and pro-active, and will want to share their ideas and experiences
• increased confidence that the quality council is representative, competent, well managed and therefore capable of taking on and sustaining an enhanced role

For more information, contact SALC trainingsalc@btconnect.com

Suffolk

In Suffolk, we have a considerable increase in the number of clerks coming forward for the CiLCA. It will take a little time to progress their councils through producing the evidence necessary for Quality Status and SALC is offering a full-range of support to them. However, already Suffolk has some Quality Councils. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to them all:

• Bury St Edmunds Town Council
• Framlingham Town Council
• Grundisburgh & Culpho Parish Council
• Martlesham Parish Council
• Newmarket Town Council
• Stowmarket Town Council
• Sudbury Town Council
• Woodbridge Town Council

© Suffolk Association of Local Councils