Norfolk Association of Local Councils

Norfolk ALC, a 'not for profit' organisation, is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as a Cooperative Society, which provides services to its members.

The Lady Dannatt MBE
HM Lord‑Lieutenant of Norfolk

Philippa Dannatt was born into an old Norfolk family. She remains a partner in her family farm. Whilst serving as a military wife she trained as a professional counsellor, formerly volunteering at the Sue Lambert Trust in Norwich to help survivors of abuse.

Lady Dannatt has served as High Sheriff, taking mental health as her theme. She is a Lay Canon of Norwich Cathedral, Vice President of SSAFA and a former Deputy Chair of its Adoption Panel. She is also President of The Army Widows' Association, President of The Norfolk Club and active Patron of numerous county-based organisations, particularly those involved with mental health.

Lady Dannatt lives in Keswick near Norwich with her husband Richard. They have four married children and eight young grandsons and a granddaughter.

Lady Dannatt was appointed as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk in August 2019.

Professor Tim O'Riordan OBE DL FBA

Tim feels honoured to be elected to the Presidency of both Norfolk ALC and CPRE Norfolk

He was born and educated in Edinburgh and came to Norfolk in 1974 from British Columbia, Canada, where he began his academic career in Simon Fraser University in Vancouver

He was very active in research and teaching in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia for the subsequent 35 years

He served in the Broads Authority for 20 years, and help to set up the How Hill Educational Charity in 1980

He has been active in many environmental campaigns in Norfolk and far beyond, and is proud of the legacy of talented students who continue his mission all over the world

Tim is very passionate about wellbeing as a central purpose of human existence and of the moral importance of shifting to sustainable living and appreciating each other's virtues, so that all of us and all of our offspring and continue to share with joy and gratitude this unique planet which we occupy

Key features:

• Governing Act: Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
• Members hold one share, with voting one member, one vote.
• Our Board is elected from the members.

Allan Wright – Beighton

Elaine Rix-Clark – Marham

Janet Holdom – Fakenham

Madeleine Ashcroft – Sheringham (Company Secretary)

Sue Lintern – Stoke Ferry (Chairperson)

Victoria Holliday – Cley

Nigel Light - Great Yarmouth area

Co-opted/invited to meetings – Margaret Dewsbury (NCC)

Our Training Officer, Gabbie, delivers our many regular councillor and clerk training courses. We have a team of experienced Tutors who deliver training across their specialities, ensuring that content is topical, current and accurate.

• Alan Fairchild
• Charlotte Stannard
• Pauline James
• Steve Parkinson
• Rachel Leggett

Alongside the support from National Association of Local Councils, and our colleagues in our neighbouring County Associations, we work with a network of specialist practitioners to build on the services that the team provide. These practitioners include:

• Chris Moses, Personnel Advice and Solutions Ltd, for HR advice
• Steve Parkinson, for VAT and accounting
• Birketts and other local solicitors, ensuring specialisms across many areas.
• Charlotte Stannard, for charity governance
• Alan Fairchild, for general parish/ town council advice, and particularly for cemeteries and burials matters
• Ross Bullard, Came & Co Insurance Ltd, for risk management and insurance
• Norfolk County Council and also the District Councils for advice in a number of areas relating to services/ expertise provided by them
• Westcotec, and a number of other commercial organisations, for example in relation to energy, signs and lighting queries

Norfolk ALC provides a range of high quality, trustworthy and reliable advice services for supporting councils.

A close relationship with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is an integral part of the membership service and significant sums are invested each year to procure the support of NALC's professional team of specialist lawyers and policy officers. Norfolk ALC is the only authorised provider of NALC's services in Norfolk.

We also have other close partnerships to complement and expand our services for indemnified specialist knowledge.

The County Officer complements these services and is also able to offer conciliation support in the resolution of difficult circumstances.

Norfolk ALC provides a new training programme with a broad range of relevant courses. They include training tailored to meet the needs of local councillors and clerks, including the Certificate of Local Council Administration, Word-Press website training and leadership skills.

Norfolk ALC holds a series of events each year for councillors and clerks.

The Association speaks with a strong collective voice on policy issues affecting local councils. It actively represents members' interests to the National ALC, who in turn lobby Government on their behalf. It works in partnership with experienced teams across the county network of District, Borough and County Councils and other public service providers.

Norfolk ALC is unique amongst County Associations in providing dedicated website support to members.

Norfolk ALC is actively engaged in issues of wider relevance to town and parish councils ranging from supporting the well-being of individuals, for example in tackling mental health and loneliness issues, to addressing the challenges facing our communities, such as reducing energy use and our carbon footprint. See our latest news at www.norfolkalc.gov.uk/wellbeing.html

Local councils benefit from the information services which Norfolk ALC provides.

Member councils also enjoy newsletters and regular email bulletins.

Norfolk ALC offers support in specialised areas for the professional development of council administration and practices. These include tailored consultancy services such as governance reviews; operational appraisals; salary reviews; financial and policy assessments; recruitment services and professional support in dispute resolution.

Norfolk ALC has a Privacy Policy to highlight the information we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it. You can find our Privacy Policy below.

For best professional support, a strong voice on local issues and good value for money - it makes sense!