GALC

29/05/2026

NALC has published new and updated HR policy templates to support parish and town councils following changes introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The templates include updates on paternity leave and pay, sickness absence and whistleblowing, alongside a new bereavement policy template.

Members can also access GALC’s model documents and templates library here:
https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/doctemplates

28/05/2026

MAY NEWSLETTER NOW LIVE

Our May 2026 newsletter is now available, featuring the latest national updates, consultations, training opportunities, governance changes and sector news affecting parish and town councils.

This month includes:
• The King’s Speech and implications for local councils
• Project Keystone sector survey
• Martyn’s Law consultations and guidance
• June training and networking opportunities
• HR and governance updates
• Community governance reviews and environmental consultations

Read the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/galc-may-2026-newsletter

21/05/2026

The Project Keystone survey is now live — and your voice matters.

Project Keystone is a strategic review of NALC and its relationships with County Associations and their affiliated members, helping shape the future direction, role and priorities of sector support for parish and town councils.

This is your opportunity to share honest, thoughtful feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Your insights will directly inform the review and help shape future engagement across the sector.

🕒 The survey takes approximately 25–35 minutes and closes on 5 June.

Take part here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hZOzSivyGUCCagVjWFgmOJNFQrnt-n9ImFbyCy0aRsxUQU9GTFAwMzZBRlc3VUZPSjhQWUozQVBOVi4u

20/05/2026

Cotswold District Council has been recognised as one of the top-performing authorities in the UK for nature recovery, reflecting its commitment to protecting and restoring local landscapes.

From wildlife corridors and tree planting to embedding nature in planning, this is a powerful example of turning an ecological emergency declaration into action.

Parish and town councils play a vital role too. Our Climate & Biodiversity Toolkit is available to help you take practical steps locally and support nature recovery in your community.

🌿 Explore the toolkit on our website https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/climate-biodiversity

19/05/2026

Dame Fiona Reynolds, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, is hosting a series of walks in the county in support of her 'Rural Gloucestershire' theme for the year. She is inviting residents to these walk and talk events to celebrate our countryside and better understand the challenges and problems they are facing.
Visit her website for dates and details https://www.damefionareynoldsgloshighsheriff.com/

This website serves as a platform to share Fiona’s activities for the year, to invite you to take part in some of her events, to share your thoughts about rural Gloucestershire and as a route to contact her.  

18/05/2026

Richard Crighton, long-serving Gloucestershire clerk and member of the GALC Board, recently attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace alongside his wife, Pat, in recognition of his dedicated service to local councils and communities.

Richard attended with Helen Bojaniwska, former Stroud Town Clerk, with both invited in recognition of their longstanding contribution to the parish and town council sector.

Royal Garden Parties are hosted annually by Their Majesties The King and Queen to recognise and thank people from across the UK for outstanding public service and community contribution.

Richard reflected on “a day never to be forgotten”, praising the pageantry and occasion hosted by The King, Queen, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Congratulations to both Richard and Helen on this well-deserved recognition.

localgovernment

15/05/2026

Reason to celebrate!
Nearly 6,000 councils have now moved across to .gov.uk domains. A massive achievement, and no small administrative headache. However, the benefits of the transition, despite the leg work behind it, are worth the effort.
Visit our website page to find out how your council can make the switch: https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/gov-uk-domains

14/05/2026

Congratulations to Mickleton Parish Council on achieving the Bronze Award of the NALC Local Council Award Scheme. LCAS celebrates the successes of parish and town councils and provides a framework to support councils in improving and developing to their full potential.

# localgovernment

13/05/2026

As a member of the Digital Democracy Partnership, alongside other local government partners, including the Local Government Associations, NALC has written to the government to highlight the need to take the opportunity of the parliamentary session opening today to prioritise legislation on remote attendance at council meetings and reform to the councillor standards regime.

All eyes on today's King's Speech

12/05/2026

Tomorrow’s King’s Speech will set out the government’s legislative priorities for the year ahead. As this session carries forward existing legislation, we expect the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to feature prominently.

This is a key moment for parish and town councils. The Bill has the potential to shape how power, funding and responsibilities are devolved to local areas—directly affecting how communities are represented and supported.

We are keen to see how the government positions local councils within this agenda. Done well, this could strengthen local decision-making, improve service delivery, and ensure communities have a stronger voice in shaping their future.

We’ll be watching closely and will share updates following the Speech.