What's on the agenda?

In this episode we speak to Lorna Muffett, SLCC’s Branch Empowerment Officer, about her role supporting local branches across the society. Lorna explains the two‑year branch empowerment project, her blend of volunteer management experience and how she applies that to the role, and the practical work currently underway with the project - from secure email and live membership data to a growing Branch Officers Hub full of templates and resources. We discuss the unique profile of Branch Officers, the importance of face‑to‑face contact at events like national conference, and how simple, ready‑made tools can support Branches and encourage growth and engagement with their members.

This podcast episode explores the alarming decline in bee populations and the vital role that local councils can play in protecting and restoring pollinator habitats. Featuring insights from Andrew Maliphant, SLCC’s Environmental and Sustainability Advisor, Natalie Richardson, Project and Administrative Assistant at Ecclesfield Parish Council, and Luke Dixon, CEO of the Bee Friendly Trust, the discussion examines the key drivers behind bee decline, the potential environmental consequences of inaction, and the practical steps that councils, communities, and individuals can take to support these essential pollinators.

Natalie also highlights the success of the Ecclesfield Bee Squared project, which engaged local communities through simple yet impactful initiatives such as distributing wildflower seeds. The project delivered both educational and ecological benefits, demonstrating how local councils can inspire community action and make a meaningful contribution to pollinator conservation.

For more information on the Bee Friendly Trust, visit their website here

To learn more about Ecclesfield Parish Council’s ‘Bee Squared Project’ click here

In this episode we delve into the unique structure of French communes, contrasting it with the local council system in England and Wales. Richard Walden FSLCC, SLCC Honorary Vice President, shares his rich experience from living in a French village and discusses how French communes originated post-revolution and evolved with the introduction of intercommunal cooperation. These communes manage strategic services and address challenges like depopulation and rural decline. The podcast also highlights the role and influence of State-appointed prefects in France's governance and discusses the implications and potential of adopting similar systems in England.

In this episode we dive into the initiatives driving the support and engagement of SLCC branches. Michael King, SLCC Head of Policy and External Communications, hosts Lara Jacob PSLCC, SLCC Branch Empowerment Officer, and Hayley Jennings PSLCC, Secretary of the Warwickshire and West Midlands Branch. They discuss the importance of face-to-face interactions, the varied challenges branches face, and the support needed from SLCC. Warwickshire's journey from dormancy to vibrancy illustrates the vital role of enthusiastic volunteers. The discussion underscores the interconnected nature of branches and their support system, vital for the sustainability of local councils and democracy.

In our latest podcast episode, Michael King, SLCC Head of Policy and External Communications is joined by Katie Walding, Clerk to Sway Parish Council, and Estela Hernandez Smith Apprentice Clerk to discuss their exciting apprentice clerk initiative. Katie explains their decision to introduce an apprentice position to manage increasing council duties and provide valuable training. Estela shares her experiences and the benefits of combining work with education. They also highlight the cooperation with other councils to offer Estela a comprehensive training experience, demonstrating how small councils can foster talent while addressing staffing challenges.

In this podcast, Lance Allan shares his incredible journey from being a young parish councillor to becoming the President of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). Lance reflects on his career, emphasising the transformative power of local councils in community development. He recounts his cycling adventure to honor the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of combining his passions for governance and cycling. Lance also discusses his future plans, including the digitalisation of local governance processes and his dedication to sharing valuable experiences with fellow councils across the UK.

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.