Presentation by Justin Griggs, Head of Policy and Development at the National Association of Local Councils on the Local Council Award Scheme at the Warwickshire & West Midlands Association of Local Councils annual briefing day on 7 March 2015

1. Warwickshire & West Midlands
Association of Local Councils - Annual
Briefing Day, 7 March 2015
JUSTIN GRIGGS
HEAD OF POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT

2. About me: Twitter bio
Head of Policy & Development at @nalc
dad of 3
on probation partner
#localgov geek
digital tryer
Plumstead runner
school governor
wannabe snooker pro

3. @justingriggs
nalc.gov.uk
justin.griggs@nalc.gov.uk
slideshare.net/justingriggs
flickr.com/justinhgriggs
nalcjustin.wordpress.com

4. To improve the quality of life for local
communities through having vibrant,
dynamic and effective local councils
Our vision

7. The central principle
The scheme is designed to recognise achievement and
set a framework for continuous improvement

8. Benefits
To the council…
• Improved performance and confidence, with policies in
place for continuous development
• Recognition and respect for commitment and hard work
• Assurance of being up-to-date and progressive
To partners…
• Confidence that the council is delivering to a recognised
national professional standard
To the sector…
• A contribution to the national reputation of local councils
demonstrating achievements and a commitment to
improvement
• Our opportunity to assess and improve on our terms

10. The Award Scheme
Three levels:
• Foundation (minimum standards)
• Quality (good practice)
• Quality Gold (best practice)

11. The Award Scheme
Three themes:
•Good governance
•Community leadership
•Council development

12. The accreditation process
• Foundation level: check for lawfulness
otherwise not judgemental
• Quality and Quality Gold include review of
lower level criteria
• Quality Gold may include discussion with
staff and councillors

13. The accreditation process
• Register with NALC (fee)
• Can apply at any level
• When prepared, confirm in public at meeting
• Notify accreditation panel co-ordinator and
provide link to online documents (fee)
• Local panel approach; panels to include
experienced councillors and clerks
• Panel review online documents

14. NALC
CALC
Council I want to
take part
Register
Criteria
in place
Ready to
start
Panel
assessment
Decision
Celebrate!
Update records
Aware of
registration

15. Consistency and flexibility

16. The result
• Panel agrees a response
▫ Award achieved
▫ Lower award
▫ No award until improvements
are made
• Celebration: resources to
encourage making the most of
the award
• Gaining a higher level award,
reaccreditation or loss of award

17. Questions?
Then the interactive bit!