The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC) are an affiliate of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). If
The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC) are an affiliate of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). If your council is a member of DAPTC that includes automatic membership of NALC and therefore, access to resources, help, support and their legal team.
How your council benefits from NALC membership:
- DAPTC colleagues join NALC bi-weekly on a national call to gather updates and discuss key issues impacting the sector. The outputs from these calls feed through into DAPTC's weekly e-News issued each Friday.
- DAPTC provides access member councils for all the lastest model templates, legal topic notes and briefings that help shape your governance at a local level.
- Best practice case studies showcase projects and activities local councils are undertaking for the benefit of their communities.
- NALC run events online and in person across the calendar year on a variety of topics with guest speakers and subject matter experts from the sector.
- NALC provide a library of core reading matters to support the sector and your Clerk to formulate policies and procedures.
- NALC sits on the Smaller Authorities Audit Appointments (SAAA) panel that helps ensure consistency and oversight of sector finances.
Let's take a look at NALC's activities in a little more detail:
NALC is an organisation that serves as the representative body for local councils in England and Wales. Established in 1947, NALC has been instrumental in promoting, supporting, and advocating for the interests of local councils across the country. With a rich history and a strong commitment to local democracy, NALC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of local government.
So, what exactly does NALC do as a body? Let's dive into the key functions and activities of this vital organisation:
- Advocacy and Lobbying:
NALC acts as the national voice for local councils, advocating for their interests and influencing policy decisions at the highest levels. Through effective lobbying, NALC ensures that the concerns and needs of local councils are heard by government bodies, ensuring that they have a say in shaping policies that directly impact their communities.
- Guidance and Support:
NALC provides expert guidance and support to local councils, assisting them in various aspects of governance, administration, and legal matters. Whether it's helping with procedural matters, offering advice on legal issues, or providing training and development opportunities for council members, NALC is dedicated to equipping local councils with the knowledge and tools they need to serve their communities effectively.
- Information and Resources:
NALC serves as a central hub for information and resources related to local government. Their website, publications, and newsletters keep local councils up to date with the latest developments, best practices, and policy changes. NALC also produces model documents, templates, and toolkits, providing practical resources that assist local councils in carrying out their functions efficiently.
- Networking and Collaboration:
NALC facilitates networking and collaboration among local councils, creating opportunities for them to share knowledge, experiences, and good practices. Through regional meetings, conferences, and events, local council members can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. This collaborative approach strengthens the local council sector as a whole and encourages innovation in local governance.
- Training and Development:
NALC recognises the importance of continuous learning and development for local council members and staff. They offer a wide range of training programs, workshops, and webinars covering various topics such as governance, finance, community engagement, and legal compliance. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of local council members, NALC contributes to the overall professionalism and effectiveness of local councils.
- Research and Policy Development:
NALC conducts research on issues relevant to local government, providing valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations. They undertake studies on topics such as devolution, funding, community engagement, and service delivery, which help shape NALC's policy positions and inform discussions with government bodies. This research-driven approach ensures that NALC's advocacy efforts are well-informed and influential.
By fulfilling these functions, the National Association of Local Councils plays a crucial role in empowering and supporting local councils across the United Kingdom. Through its advocacy, guidance, resources, and networking opportunities, NALC ensures that local councils are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make a positive difference in their communities. Whether it's promoting local democracy, driving policy change, or enhancing governance standards, NALC stands as a steadfast champion for the vital work of local councils.
Find out more about NALC by heading to their website. For full access to the members' area of the website contact
