Annual Report 2016-17
Advising Training Informing Representing Supporting
Executive Committee Chairman’s 2016-2017 Report
It was a privilege to be elected chairman again and to be given an opportunity by the membership to carry forward the work undertaken by the Norfolk Association of Local Councils in support of our subscribing councils for the 2016/17 year.
It is a particular honour to be performing this role in the Association’s 70th year.
Services provided We have provided a wide range of advice and support during the year including: Advice on law, procedure & good practice with access to specialist national lawyers Access to local experts, such as for HR advice Website and IT support Training and development for councils Training for the CiLCA clerk qualification Recruitment support Awards, such as Clerk of the Year Newsletters and email bulletins Information on national policy and legislative changes Loan Approval filtering and support Policy and lobbying support Exclusive access to the services of the National Association of Local Councils
Advice to local councils is one of the core services provided by Norfolk. The need to be able to respond to these demands whilst also keeping our costs down for members has been a priority. This is now being achieved to a good standard with support from advisers and access to Legal Team services at the National Association of Local Councils.
We are proud of the fact that Norfolk ALC again supported website provision for nearly 300 Councils and enabled access to Transparency Code grant funds, accessing tens of thousands of pounds for its members this year.
The Association launched an updated Norfolk ALC website in 2016-17, with a comprehensive members’ area, packed with useful guidance, toolkits and information to support the administration of council business.
The Association continues to deliver regular and high quality training to our councillors and clerks. Norfolk ALC is committed to training as it helps each person within a council understand and feel better able to carry out their role. Knowledge of powers available and practical measures that can be taken to support the community are invaluable. Training reduces risks for councils of disruption and costs arising from legal disputes, complaints and conflict with residents and missing opportunities for the community. Part of the commitment to improvement in our training is responding to feedback received. In recent months, our training has been usually rated as ‘excellent’.
The Norfolk ALC conference events involve high profile guest speakers and deal with topical issues tailored to meet current concerns. Open to both councillors and clerks they are an ideal way of updating our councils on all government policies and initiatives.
We have provided regular newsletters and further developed our information provision during the year. 2 Clerk of the Year Norfolk ALC continues to celebrate the achievements and high standards of clerks with the annual Clerk of the Year Award. This year’s category winners were: Tina Cunnell (clerk at Thetford) in the large council category Kate Filby (clerk at Harling) in the medium council category Glynis Allen (clerk at Old Hunstanton) in the smaller council category. The President will announce the overall winner during the AGM.
Local Council Award Scheme Our congratulations to all those councils achieving a Foundation, Quality or Quality Gold Award under the Local Council Award Scheme during the year.
The Organisation Norfolk ALC remains a not-for-profit membership organisation providing a range of support services for its members. Policies and strategies for the organisation are decided by an Executive elected from among its member councils. This ensures that the needs of members are at the heart of the service delivered through a small team of officers.
Norfolk ALC is grateful for the support of its Executive members, who provide a wealth of experience and knowledge and ensure the Norfolk Association remains grass-roots driven.
Currently the Executive comprises:
District Councillors Breckland Shirley Matthews Peter Wilkinson Richard Leighton Vacancy Broadland Barbara Lashley Jack Sadler Victor Ray Mortlock Vacancy Great Yarmouth Michael Clifford Vacancy North Norfolk Janet Holdom Phil Harris Heather Deegan Jo Belsten* South Norfolk John W Pennell 3 Vacancies West Norfolk Alan Evans Doug Lawson 2 Vacancies
*Jo Belsten, is finishing at this meeting. So 1 vacancy here
The Association would like to extend thanks to the Executive members who stood down in 2017. We would particularly like to thank Stephen Teverson who served the Association enthusiastically for 14 years and for his progressive leadership as chairman for nine years.
We would welcome approaches from councillors in areas with Executive vacancies. Please contact Russell Reeve, the County Officer, if interested in this role
The National Association of Local Councils The Association’s relationship with the National body is strong and Norfolk ALC believes it is crucial to maintain close working dialogue to ensure lobbying access and that the centrally provided services remain relevant and useful. While most enquiries can be dealt with through its county office, Norfolk ALC uses NALC’s Legal Team when complex matters requiring an expert opinion are essential.
Norfolk ALC also has formal influence through its National ALC representative, Peter Wilkinson. Peter is the National Association’s Chairman of its Sustainable Communities Advisory Board, which is currently doing some great work, such as potentially action to address the impact of Second Homes in Norfolk…. Thank you Peter. 3 Partnership Working Norfolk ALC works with many other organisations in order to advance the interests of local councils. A key partner is Norfolk County Council (NCC), with whom the Association has a service agreement. Thank you to Margaret Dewsbury who is our link Councillor, and to Ceri Sumner, our main officer link, for your support. Norfolk ALC is part of a countrywide network of County Associations. We have had a strong relationship with our neighbouring association in Suffolk over the last year. We also work with the Society of Local Council Clerks, both nationally and in Norfolk.
The Office Norfolk ALC continues to mainly operate from a base in County Hall, with services delivered across the county and events, training and meetings held in various locations.
Our work is now being delivered by our team consisting of: Russell Reeve – County Officer Helen Carrier – IT Support, Training and Events Vicky Powell – Finance, Administration and Training
They are supported by specialists, such as for training, and Terry Wilshin, for HR, together with the team at the National Association of Local Councils
Financial report for year The financial outcome for the 2016/17 year showed a surplus of £13k being achieved in that year. Copies of the statements are available. We were given an unqualified (‘clean’) audit opinion from our external auditor for the year.
Janet Holdom October 2017
Chair: Janet Holdom President: Peter Wilkinson County Officer: Russell Reeve Tel: 01603 638495 email: [email protected] Norfolk Association of Local Councils www.norfolkalc.org.uk
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