National Conference 2025 Agenda

From 19:00, please join us in the London Suite where the exhibitors opening takes place. A chance to grab a drink and network with fellow colleagues and our commercial partners.

Informal Networking Dinner
Paris Suite

This informal networking dinner will give delegates an opportunity to network with and meet fellow clerks and the exhibitors in the Paris Suite over dinner. The dress code will be informal.

Bouncebackability: Tools for Thriving Through Change, Challenge and Setback
Johnathan Peach, Performance Coach, Art of Brilliance
Paris Suite

The modern world can feel like a whirlwind — fast-paced, high-pressure, and relentless. It’s no wonder so many of us end up feeling exhausted, stressed, or teetering on the edge of burnout. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken.

While some people seem to naturally ride the waves of change and challenge, the truth is: resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. The brilliant news? Anyone can develop the mindset, tools, and habits that turn tough times into turning points.

This energising, interactive session dives into the science and soul of human bouncebackability — blending insights from positive psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy, post-traumatic growth, growth mindset, and the power of self-talk. (Don’t worry, we keep it light, relatable, and sneakily fun!)
In this session, we will:

• Share simple, practical tools to top up your resilience reserves
• Help you navigate change and uncertainty with more confidence
• Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
• Spark a more creative, positive, and agile mindset

Whether you’re navigating workplace upheaval or just trying to stay afloat in a chaotic world, this session gives you the mental kit to bounce back — and bounce forward.

Clustering Parish Councils – the French Experience
Richard Walden FSLCC, Honorary Vice President
Paris Suite

As part of the discussion around the current national devolution plans, NALC have long advocated that parish or neighbourhood councils should be established everywhere. A recent report from the Reform think tank in their series ‘Reimaging The Local State’ https://reform.uk/research/reimagining-the-local-state/ has posed the idea that in order to have capacity to deliver additional services smaller councils should be “clustered” together. Honorary Vice President, Richard Walden FSLCC, who in retirement lives in rural France, will share his experience of clustering of parishes there.

Place-shaping and Partnerships in Penzance
James Hardy, Town Clerk to Penzance Town Council, and NALC Star Council Awards Clerk of the Year 2024
Paris Suite

Penzance Town Council in far west Cornwall has developed partnership approaches to tackling many of the challenges shared by Town and Parishes across the Country:

• Joint commissioning services with neighbouring towns
• Supporting a range of voluntary and community sector organisations
• Delivering local services and helping to manage and maintain ‘devolved’ assets and services
• Developing income generating opportunities
• Working with the newly established Penzance Regeneration Company to deliver key elements of the Penzance Investment Plan, supported by £30M of Town Deal and Future High Steet Fund investment.

Working Online: Digital Security and Website Accessibility
Emma Dwan, Business Relationship Manager, Domains Team, .Gov
Conference Room 11

With more and more council business being handled online, Parish and town councils are expected to make sure they are following appropriate digital security measures and making sure information is as accessible as possible.

In this informative session run by the Government Digital Service (GDS), we will take you through the things you can do to improve the digital security as well as accessibility of your website. We’ll share tips and resources you can bring back to your council.

Matters of Topical Interest in Wales
Emma Smith, Wales Advisor and Policy Liaison Officer
Conference Room 12

Emma Smith, Wales Advisor and Policy Liaison Officer will look at the latest policy decisions in Wales and future developments in the sector. with an opportunity for discussion and questions.

Delivering Fantastic Building Projects – A Step by Step Guide to Managing Design and Construction
Tom Sykes, Extended Studio Co-founder, Design Council Expert
Paris Suite

This session will walk through the stages of work needed to get from first idea to completed project. Focussing on managing the design side, this visual talk will be packed with examples of what a good process looks like from start to finish. Amongst other elements this will include the deliverables you should expect at each stage, the language you can use to get the best from your consultant teams, and the hurdles you might find on the way (and how to avoid them).

Biodiversity Plus
Andrew Maliphant, SLCC Environmental and Sustainability Advisor
Conference Room 12

We know we have a duty to consider biodiversity in everything we do, but what do we need to go further into environmental action? This plenary session will review what is currently available and how we might access it, including:

• Online advice
• Suitable training
• Visiting support
• Funding

Please bring your own experiences to share, and it will help us to plan the session if you can please let us know in advance what questions you would like answered.

Employee Awareness – Breaking the Taboo
Lynda Bailey, Talking Menopause
Paris Suite

In this workshop we explore the reasons why we don’t want to talk about menopause at work and how we can change that. And we are doing that in the workplace.

Detailed information and facts about menopause shared in a very down to earth, practical and open way.

Topics in this workshop include;

• Menopause key facts
• Hormones affected
• Potential symptoms
• Personal solutions
• Workplace solutions
• How to support your colleagues
• How to support your partner

We also acknowledge the challenges around accessing the right health care and share ways to help with this.

Awards Ceremony, Formal (Black-tie) Dinner
Paris Suite

Please join us in the Paris Suite from 19:00 onwards for the SLCC Annual Awards which will be followed by the Charity Raffle, and a formal (black-tie) networking dinner and entertainment.

Apprentice Clerk Initiative in Hampshire
Katie Walding, Parish Clerk & RFO, Sway Parish Council
Paris Suite

A case study explaining the creation of a clerk’s apprenticeship, at a medium size council, with a part time clerk. We’ll show how the role was created, the new collaborative partnerships with neighbouring town and parish councils, and principal authorities. Learn how this model could be replicated across other medium and small parish councils. Also hear from the apprentice clerk one year in on her experience and how we might better reach young people.

Building Playgrounds for All: Designing Accessible and Inclusive Play Parks
Rebecca Maddern
Conference Room 11

Delivered by a parent/carer, this workshop will explore the key principles, challenges, and solutions involved in designing play parks that are accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all children, regardless of ability. Play is an essential part of childhood development, offering children opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and emotional growth. However, for children with disabilities, access to safe, stimulating, and inclusive play spaces can be limited. This session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to create play parks that serve the diverse needs of all children, fostering an environment where everyone can play, learn, and thrive together. Time will be given to explore questions and answers and will empower attendees to reflect upon their play strategy to create play parks that are not only accessible but also inclusive, promoting social inclusion, community well-being, and equal access to the benefits of outdoor play for all children.

Pragmatic Problem Solving – What to Do When Things Go Wrong!
Jane Olds, SLCC General Advisor & Helen Watson, Senior Advisor and Mentor Co-ordinator
Conference Room 12

Exploring practical strategies for navigating challenges which arise in our sector.  We all know that despite best efforts; things do not always go as planned! In this session we look to embrace the journey of problem-solving and discover how we can work effectively to create meaningful solutions.