Action In Rural Sussex

Quality Council

Parish and Town Councils perform an essential role in the operation of rural communities, communicating the views, opinions and needs of residents to statutory and non-statutory bodies alike. Parish and Town Councils in East and West Sussex are represented by the Sussex Association of Local Councils (SALC).

What is a Quality Council?

  • Is representative of and actively engages all parts of its community providing vision, identity and a sense of belonging, it provides leadership and focus.
  • Is effectively and properly managed.
  • Articulates the needs and wishes of its community.
  • Is committed to partnership working with principal authorities and other public service agencies.
  • In proportion to its size and skills delivers local services where this represents the best deal for the community.
  • Works closely with voluntary groups in its community.
  • Acts as a spoint of guidance and information for local services.

What does it require to become a Quality Council?

  • Electoral Mandate - at least 67% of councillors to have stood for election at the start of the 4 year accreditation period.
  • Qualified Clerk  - CiLCA Certificate in Local Administration
  • Council Meetings - At least 6 a year, properly convened and minuted with opportunity for public participation.
  • Communications - Newsletter at least quarterly, information on councillors, synopsis of Annual Report and meet at least 9 of the 17 discretionary areas in the accreditation form.
  • Annual Report - Published within prescribed timescales and readily available within the parish.
  • Unqualified accounts - Prepared in accordance with Accounts and Audit regulations.
  • Adapted a Code of Conduct

What are the benefits of becoming a Quality Council?

  • Demonstrates competence and standards to the community
  • Bestows pride and confidence in dealing with principal councils
  • Quality Parish Councils will play an enhanced role in their communities in partnership with principal councils
  • Integral part of all relevant consultation & co-ordination arrangements set up by principal authorities and other service providers on how services are delivered in the parish council area
  • Manage and deliver services which parishes may carry out either on behalf of principal authorities or using existing powers
  • Work with partners on the provision of Access Points to information on services of principal authorities and other service providers

Contact Us

Trevor Leggo, Director of Sussex Association of Local Councils 

Tel: (01273) 476342 Email: Trevor.Leggo@ruralsussex.org.uk

Jacqui Simes, Administrator for Sussex Association of Local Councils

Tel: (01273) 476342 Email: Jacqui.Simes@ruralsussex.org.uk

 

Parishes with this attribute: