Breadcrumbs
New qualification offers parishes a bright future - 12 September 2002
The new AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration will be awarded to parish clerks who complete a syllabus of core topics and skills set out in the National Training Strategy (NTS) launched by the Countryside Agency and the National Association of Local Councils in November 2001.
Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said: "Parish and town councils are playing an increasingly important role in our villages and smaller towns. They provide a focus for debate on issues close to the hearts of people who live there and are an essential part of the fabric of society. As rural communities meet the challenge of change, the roles of the clerk and the parish councillors will be even more important in the future.
"This move is an important milestone in the government's commitment to help in developing the potential of parish and town councils to lead and invigorate their communities. The business of parish and town councils needs to be carried out smoothly and efficiently, recognising that the leaders of our most local level of democracy are at once volunteers, community leaders and elected representatives. This strategy aims to help them meet the challenge."
Countryside Agency board member John Varley said at the launch: "The work done by councils at town and parish level makes a real difference to local people. Parish clerks are fundamental to local government precisely because they are at the level that has most impact on their communities.
"The new qualification for parish clerks will raise the professional status of grass roots local government and where appropriate it is also a step towards a parish gaining Quality Parish status. So it can both further the profession and careers of parish clerks and help them ensure their council realises its full potential for their community."
John Findlay, chief executive of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) commented: "We welcome this new and exciting development. This forms a key component of the government's initiatives to develop the role of parish and town councils. Training will help local councils deal more effectively with the enhanced role that is becoming available to them."
The National Training Strategy was launched in November 2001 and detailed plans for developing and supporting training for clerks and councillors in England. It is available on the NALC web site at www.nalc.gov.uk. The initiatives within the strategy were piloted in 15 counties and participating clerks compiled portfolios demonstrating the work they do and the skills involved in the same way as for a NVQ. Parish clerks and councillors wishing to take up the new training should contact their local County Associations of Local Councils, their local branch ofthe Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) www.slcc.co.uk or the University of Gloucestershire.
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Notes to editors
A national steering group, including representatives from the Countryside Agency, NALC, DEFRA, DTLR, the SLCC and the Local Government Association, worked to develop the national training strategy. The steering group also included other specialists who know how parish and town councils work on the ground, including training providers, councillors and county secretaries.
The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues relating to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.
The National Association of Local Councils speaks for some 10,000 parish and town councils in England and community councils in Wales. NALC is committed to making this primary level of local government more effective, more democratic and better able to take a leadership role in local communities. NALC protects and advances the interests of member councils nationally both in Parliament and the Welsh Assembly as well as in liaison with other bodies such as the LGA and IdeA. For more information, please contact Alan Jones on 020 7290 0316 or Samuel Heath on 020 7290 0308.
The Society of Local Council Clerks aims to promote the professional standing and knowledge of its members. Membership of the Society is available to all full-time part-time and deputy clerks of town, parish or community councils and parish meetings in England and Wales. For more information visit the SLCC web site at: www.slcc.co.uk
Contacts for counties who took part in the pilots:
Pilot 1: Setting up a Training partnership:
Essex ALC: Joy Sheppard tel: 01371 879 722
Gloucestershire ALC: Richard Bellis tel: 01452 528491
Somerset ALC: Peter Lacey tel: 01823 252 515
Worcestershire ALC: Pat Edwards tel: 01684 573 334
Herefordshire ALC: Linda Wilcox tel: 01432 353 492
Pilots 2-5: Compiling the Portfolio of Evidence:
Northamptonshire ALC: David Quayle on 01604 825883.
Suffolk ALC: Mary Mitson-Woods tel: 01473 833 713
Cumbria ALC: Stan Simpson tel: 01768 242 130
Hampshire ALC: Suzanne Hudson tel: 01962 841 699
Cheshire ALC: Jackie Weaver: 01948 871 314
North Yorkshire SLCC: Avis Thomas: avis@stonelodge.fsworld.co.uk
Shropshire SLCC: Malcolm Kimber: 01691 680 868
Cambridgeshire ALC: Keith Barrand: 01480 375 629
Staffordshire ALC: Mary Booth: 01785 277 499
