In the latest episode of ‘What's on the Agenda?’, our host Michael King is joined by Kevin Roberts, a Consultant in Security Licensing and Events Management, and Helen Ball, Clerk to Shrewsbury Town Council and SLCC Board Director, to discuss Martyn’s Law. They explore how the law will impact local councils, what clerks need to be aware of, and the guidance available to help them navigate these changes. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of Martyn’s Law and the role of clerks in its delivery.

In this episode we sit down with John McCarthy CBE and hear his story of the terror and tedium of his five-year captivity in Beirut during the Lebanon hostage crisis in 1986. He details his initial naivety as a young journalist getting to work out in the field, the onslaught of his capture, the enduring friendship with fellow hostage Brian Keenan, and the periods of utter terror and depression. He also touches on the theme of feeling cut-off and isolated, and draws parallels with ordinary people dealing with personal trauma, proving that shared humanity and resilience are vital, regardless of individual experiences.

In our latest podcast episode, seasoned sports broadcaster Rob Nothman gives us a unique peak into the world of sports broadcasting and his fascinating career at the BBC. From Olympic Games to Premier League football, he shares his favourite interviewees, including golf legends Severiano Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. Rob also talks about the difficulties in interviewing high-profile figures such as Jurgen Klopp, and the thrill of interviewing sports icons who have an aura of 'stardust' about them.

We also hear about his unforgettable experience playing at the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta, viewing it like 'going to heaven without the bother and expense of dying'.

In this episode we sit down with Gina Lopes PSLCC, the 2024/25 SLCC President, following a historic election aspresident, and re-election as a director of SLCC on the same day. Gina shows her readiness to undertake the demanding nature of her new role, expressing her enthusiasm for the chance to visit as many branches as possible, and raise the profile of clerks globally through meeting international counterparts.

Gina also takes us through her career from how she got into clerking over 20 years ago, to now being President of SLCC, and provides insights into her chosen charities, White Ribbon UK, and the SLCC Educational Trust.

In this episode we talk to Steve Trice PSLCC, SLCC Director and Clerk to Haywards Heath Town Council, Sharron Jones FSLCC, SLCC Director and Clerk to Hawarden Community Council, Gina Lopes PSLCC, SLCC President, SLCC Director and Clerk to Stoke Ferry Parish Council, and Adam Keppel-Green FSLCC, SLCC Chair and Clerk to Knutsford Town Council, about the White Ribbon campaign, how it fits into SLCC's broader mission, and why it is such an important cause to support.

The White Ribbon campaign promotes an end to violence against women and girls. In this episode we learn about SLCC’s action plan and the ongoing work to communicate and engage with members about the campaign. Using personal anecdotes, we learn about the campaign's potential to effect positive behavioural change and achieve gender equality in local government and beyond.

In this episode, Michael King, SLCC’s Head of Policy and External Communications speaks to Lisa Garcia, Town Clerk of Florence, Arizona USA and IIMC President, Chris Shalby, IIMC Executive Director, Linda Larter, Clerk to Sevenoaks Town Council and IIMC Region XI Director, and Arnout van Kooij, Griffier (Clerk) to the municipality of IJsselstein in the Netherlands and IIMC Region XI Director who share insights into the world of clerking from an international perspective, describing the evolving roles, challenges, and gratification of the profession.

Lisa Garcia, IIMC President, also speaks on her journey towards presidency and goals to promote the clerk’s profession and ensure transparency in government.

The role of IIMC and its regional structure, specifically Region 11, is elaborated by Linda and Arnout as Region XI Directors who share their experiences of clerking and how the role differs and is portrayed internationally.

In this episode we talk to Sandra Lowe, Communications & Engagement, and Khidr Suleman, Domains’ Governance Lead, from the Parish Council Domains Helper Service Project Team at the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO). This initiative aims to help councils in migrating to .gov.uk domains and provides benefits such as enhanced credibility and security. Sandra and Khidr outline common challenges such as cost and technical expertise while explaining how the service guides clerks through every step, from choosing the right domain registrar, to setting up and maintaining the domain.

With cost being a challenge for many councils we also hear about how the Cabinet Office has secured finite funding of up to £100 + VAT to help eligible parish councils offset the initial cost of setting up a .gov.uk domain.

In this episode we are joined by Simon Dunn, Head of the Circuit Operations and Sam Kennard, Programme Manager, Health Partnerships and Community Resuscitation at the British Heart Foundation.

The British Heart Foundation has been leading the way in promoting the use of defibrillators in communities across the UK. Their Circuit program helps individuals and organisations register and locate defibrillators, ensuring that these life-saving devices are readily available in case of a cardiac arrest. While over 90,000 defibrillators have been registered so far, there is still a need for more coverage. The British Heart Foundation encourages town and parish councils and community groups to register their defibrillators and actively maintain them to serve their communities effectively.

Simon and Sam discuss the importance of registering defibrillators on The Circuit, how straight forward they are to use when needed, and general upkeep of the devices.

Councillor Mike Joyce shares insights into the history and significance of Newton Abbot, a market town located on the outskirts of Dartmoor, between Exeter, Torquay, and Plymouth. The town, founded by the abbots of Tor Abbey, has a rich historical background, and is often referred to as the heart of Teignbridge. Councillor Joyce reflects on his experience as a councillor and the importance of working together for the benefit of residents and businesses. He expresses his admiration for Clerk Phil Rowe PSLCC, who has been instrumental in supporting and guiding the council since 2007. Highlighting the unique role of the clerk, Councillor Joyce praises the clerk's professionalism, knowledge, and the vital role they play in maintaining harmony and efficiency within the council. The council's recent achievements, such as the transformation of a derelict church into a museum and council offices, further demonstrate the impactful collaboration between councillors and the clerk.

Parish, town, and community councils play a vital role in local governance, and the role of a clerk is central to the success of the council. This podcast episode features Shaun Fishenden PSLCC, Clerk to Meopham Parish Council, and his Deputy Clerk, George Duffort StSLCC, as they discuss their journey into the world of parish councils from a young age. They share their experiences from both the clerk, and councillors perspectives, highlighting the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of both roles. They emphasise the need for clerks to have a deep knowledge of their community and to engage with various groups and volunteers. 

The episode also explores strategies for attracting young people to the sector and enhancing community engagement through social media and networking. George and Shaun also highlight how having a network of fellow clerks available through their local branch can provide vital support when facing new challenges.