Organising a voluntary event: a 'Can do' guide from Cabinet Office
Cabinet Office issued a guide last month, to help
you to plan and run successful events with a minimum of red tape. The
guide is in seven parts:
- What do I need to thnk about when planning an event?
- Do I need any licences or other sort of permission?
- How do I keep organisers, volunteers and participants safe?
- How do I make sure that food and drink is safe?
- Can I close a road?
- Do I need insurance?
- Am I planning an event for which there is specialist guidance elsewhere?
The guide can be read or downloaded from here
DCLG Allotment disposal guidance; safeguards and alternatives
This document is a guide to how disposal decisions will be
handled by the decision makers involved. Information and advice is
provided on the criteria used to assess whether local councils can be
granted consent to dispose of land used for allotments. The guide’s main
purpose is to help councils decide whether to apply for consent to
dispose of allotment land and to provide clarity on how disposal
applications will be assessed.
The guide is here
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) welcomes the Government announcement of a cash grant fund to encourage more disabled people into local democratic politics.
The Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund will be extended to the local (parish and town) council sector for the first time. The money will help with the additional costs, such as extra transport or sign-language interpreters, that a disabled candidate may face in standing for election as a local parish or town councillor.
NALC Chairman, Cllr Ken Browse, welcomed the announcement, saying “NALC welcomes the extension of this fund to support disabled people to run for local (parish and town) council elections. We are a sector committed to diversity and strong community representation and it is critical that everyone has the ability to run for election at local council level.”
“This fund works alongside our own local democracy campaign, highlighted in our ‘It Takes All Sorts’ publication to encourage more diversity within the local government sector.”
Minster for Equalities, Helen Grant, said:
“Disabled people are still under-represented in politics and I believe a strong democracy is an inclusive one. That’s why we need to do more to encourage a diverse mix of candidates and role models to better reflect the society we live in.
“Disabled candidates can often be faced with additional costs that make standing for election more difficult than their non-disabled counterparts. That’s why I’m delighted that we are extending the Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund, so even more people can benefit.”
NALC briefing L01-14 confirms that ordinary elections for councillors will move to co-incide with the European Parliamentary general election on 22nd May 2014.
IF your council has ordinary elections in 2014 (check because different unitary authorities have elections at different times) then the date of the annual meeting should take place between the 4th day after the date of the election which is 22nd May and 31st July.
Bray Parish Council are advertising for an Assistant Clerk, starting from 1st April 2014, 31 hours per week.
The job advert is available via the Vacancies section of this website.
The closing date is midday Friday 28th February 2014.
The draft Legislative Reform Order has been approved by Parliament which repeals s. 150 (5) Local Government Act 1972.
NALC financial advisers, DCK Beavers has issued a briefing setting out the necessary steps before the LRO comes into force. All member councils have received a copy of the briefing (F01-14) which can be found in the Documents section of this website under NALC guidance
CLERK WANTED FOR FRILSHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Are you a self-motivated, friendly person looking for a new challenge?
Frilsham is a small rural parish set in the Berkshire Downs with approximately 230 electors.
On the retirement of the Clerk/ Responsible Finance Officer we are looking to appoint a person to carry out administrative duties as required by law and be responsible for the financial records of the Council and the careful administration of its finances as required under the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
Previous experience in a similar role would be an advantage but is not essential.
Good written and verbal communication and IT skills are vital.
Some evening work will be required to take minutes at the meetings held every two months at Frilsham Clubroom.
The post is offered from April 2014 at 4 hours per week with the work being carried out at the Clerk’s Home.
Salary: £8.43 - £12.05 per hour dependent on experience.
Approved expenses are reimbursed.
Closing date: Midday Monday 10th March 2014
For an informal discussion phone Rosemarie Bateman, Frilsham Parish Clerk on 01635 200945
To apply send a CV with an accompanying letter to: Frilsham Parish Council,
White Shutters
Hampstead Norreys Rd
Hermitage
RG18 9RT
Or via e-mail to: frilshamparishcouncil@newburyweb.net
