GALC

31/08/2026

26/08/2026

🏘️ What could effective neighbourhood governance look like in Gloucestershire?

As Gloucestershire develops its approach to neighbourhoods, community partnerships and governance within the new unitary arrangements, there is much we can learn from places already putting community-powered approaches into practice.

On 3 September, Common Good Gloucestershire and Collaborate CIC are hosting a free webinar exploring Test Valley Borough Council’s approach to neighbourhood governance.

The session will look at five practical steps for putting residents, communities and place at the heart of decision-making — particularly timely as Gloucestershire considers how its own neighbourhood arrangements could work in practice.

📅 3 September 2026
⏰ 12.00–2.00pm
💻 Online and free to attend

👉 Find out more and book: https://cloud.commongoodglos.uk/index.php/apps/forms/embed/3ncdSqYr2J58DzmnxdkbgiTZ

25/08/2026

🔔 Digital AGAR Portal – important update

Some councils have queried whether recent emails from SAAA about the new Digital AGAR Portal are genuine.

We can confirm that they are legitimate communications from SAAA.

Councils are currently being asked to confirm key contact details and email addresses ahead of registration for the new portal. Further information will follow later this year, including details of free portal training.

SAAA has also published confirmation on its website: https://www.saaa.co.uk

24/08/2026

The Flowers of Proximity Survey explores how people would ideally like to access the places, services and activities that matter most to them. It is a global survey with the developmental potential to support decision making from local to region scales. Responses are being sought from UK-based individuals living in semi-rural, suburban and urban-edge communities.
Complete the survey https://flowersofproximity.com/
And find out more https://www.commonaccessproject.com/

21/08/2026

The first Artificial Intelligence (AI) National Network meeting was held last week, we explored how parish and town councils are using AI, from making everyday tasks more efficient to finding new ways of analysing information and supporting council communication, and where it could take us next.
The network discussed the importance of using AI responsibly, with data protection, accuracy and human oversight remaining key. We provided updates on our upcoming AI tool, NALC's Online Resource Assistant (NORA), which we'll launch later this year.

Join the network: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/support/national-networks.html

National networks connect councillors nationwide to promote best practices.

20/08/2026

We welcome the government's announcement that the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth role now has an explicit reference to parish and town councils as one of the key responsibilities. This is another win for the sector and shows we are making our voice heard.

Read the announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/parliamentary-under-secretary-of-state--325

14/08/2026

🌱 Stay up to date with opportunities for your council

The Feeding Gloucestershire newsletter is packed with funding opportunities, consultations, training, community initiatives, research, and practical resources that can help parish and town councils support local residents and strengthen community wellbeing.

Recent editions have included small grants, holiday activity programmes, community food projects, healthy weight initiatives and opportunities to shape countywide strategies.

📩 Subscribe and explore the latest updates:
🔗 https://feedinggloucestershire.org.uk

We connect organisations and communities to ensure everyone in Gloucestershire has fair access to affordable, nutritious, and sustainable food.

13/08/2026

💷 Subscribe to The Funding Insider, it highlights grant opportunities relevant to parish and town councils, charities and community organisations.

Recent editions have featured more than £1 million in available grant funding, including schemes supporting community infrastructure, heritage projects and local initiatives.

If your council is planning a project or looking to secure external funding, it may be a useful addition to your inbox.

📩 Read the latest edition and subscribe:
https://open.substack.com/pub/warrenedwards785448/p/the-funding-insider-weekly-grant?r=8ntvl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Weekly grant alerts for UK grassroots sports clubs, charities, parish councils and social enterprises — so you never miss a funding deadline again. Free, every Monday. Click to read The Funding Insider, by Warren Edwards, a Substack publication. Launched a month ago.

12/08/2026

Today's young people are tomorrow's community leaders, volunteers, councillors and changemakers. Parish and town councils have a unique role to play in creating places where young people feel heard, supported and inspired to get involved.

Across the country, councils are delivering fantastic initiatives – from youth clubs and forums to Play Rangers, youth councils, sports facilities and outreach services. NALC's Young People Case Studies is packed with practical ideas that any council can adapt.

💡 Looking for inspiration? Explore NALC's Young People Case Studies and discover practical ways your council can help young people thrive in your community. https://www.nalc.gov.uk/resource/young-people-case-studies.html

11/08/2026

🌿 If your council is looking to strengthen its climate action or biodiversity work, the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership newsletter is well worth subscribing to.

Each edition brings together the latest funding opportunities, consultations, planning updates, training, events, job opportunities and practical resources from across the county – helping parish and town councils stay informed and connected.

Recent editions have included updates on the Western Forest, Local Plans, Green Skills, nature recovery projects, grants and community engagement opportunities.

📩 Subscribe and explore the latest news:
https://www.gloucestershirenature.org.uk/

Working in partnership to secure space to grow and space to thrive for nature, people and business in Gloucestershire.