GALC

05/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day – 5 June

Parish and town councils are already making a real difference in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis, from restoring habitats and planting trees to improving green spaces, reducing emissions and engaging communities.

Looking for inspiration? NALC has shared climate change case studies from councils across the country, showing practical action at local level:
https://www.nalc.gov.uk/resource/climate-change-case-studies.html

Our own Climate & Biodiversity Toolkit also brings together case studies, examples and practical ideas to help councils learn from one another and take action that works for their place: https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/toolkit-intro

Explore the toolkit on our website and see what your council could do next.

04/06/2026

Community engagement matters

As councils navigate Local Government Reorganisation, devolution, climate action and major infrastructure projects, meaningful community engagement has never been more important.

A new white paper from Commonplace explores how a 360 Community Voice approach can help organisations understand local concerns earlier, build trust, reduce delivery risks and strengthen community confidence.

The key message is simple: successful projects require both national ambition and local legitimacy.

Download the report and learn more about effective community engagement.
https://www.commonplace.is/deliver-certainty?utm_campaign=44873566-Delivering%20Certainty

03/06/2026

A reminder to all councils that have appointed GALC as their internal auditor: all audit documents must be submitted via the online submission form by close of business friday, 5 June. Please login to the website member area and follow the steps provided to complete your submission.
https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/audit

02/06/2026

TEWKESBURY COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW NOW OPEN

Tewkesbury Borough Council has launched its 2026 Community Governance Review, providing an opportunity for councils, residents and community groups to help shape local governance arrangements across the borough.

Community Governance Reviews can consider:
• parish boundaries
• ward arrangements
• parish names
• councillor numbers
• the creation or merging of parishes

Parish and town councils are encouraged to review the proposals and participate in the consultation process.

Find out more:
https://tewkesbury.gov.uk/about-the-council/voting-and-elections/community-governance-review-2026/

01/06/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY – PROJECT KEYSTONE SURVEY

NALC’s Project Keystone survey is now live and gives parish and town councils the opportunity to help shape the future of the sector.

Feedback gathered through the survey will help inform future national priorities and sector support.

Deadline: Friday 5 June 2026

Read more:
https://www.nalc.gov.uk/resource/project-keystone-survey-is-now-live-help-shape-the-future-of-the-sector.html

Complete the survey:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hZOzSivyGUCCagVjWFgmOJNFQrnt-n9ImFbyCy0aRsxUQU9GTFAwMzZBRlc3VUZPSjhQWUozQVBOVi4u

29/05/2026

NALC has published new and updated HR policy templates to support parish and town councils following changes introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The templates include updates on paternity leave and pay, sickness absence and whistleblowing, alongside a new bereavement policy template.

Members can also access GALC’s model documents and templates library here:
https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/doctemplates

28/05/2026

MAY NEWSLETTER NOW LIVE

Our May 2026 newsletter is now available, featuring the latest national updates, consultations, training opportunities, governance changes and sector news affecting parish and town councils.

This month includes:
• The King’s Speech and implications for local councils
• Project Keystone sector survey
• Martyn’s Law consultations and guidance
• June training and networking opportunities
• HR and governance updates
• Community governance reviews and environmental consultations

Read the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/galc-may-2026-newsletter

21/05/2026

The Project Keystone survey is now live — and your voice matters.

Project Keystone is a strategic review of NALC and its relationships with County Associations and their affiliated members, helping shape the future direction, role and priorities of sector support for parish and town councils.

This is your opportunity to share honest, thoughtful feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Your insights will directly inform the review and help shape future engagement across the sector.

🕒 The survey takes approximately 25–35 minutes and closes on 5 June.

Take part here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hZOzSivyGUCCagVjWFgmOJNFQrnt-n9ImFbyCy0aRsxUQU9GTFAwMzZBRlc3VUZPSjhQWUozQVBOVi4u

20/05/2026

Cotswold District Council has been recognised as one of the top-performing authorities in the UK for nature recovery, reflecting its commitment to protecting and restoring local landscapes.

From wildlife corridors and tree planting to embedding nature in planning, this is a powerful example of turning an ecological emergency declaration into action.

Parish and town councils play a vital role too. Our Climate & Biodiversity Toolkit is available to help you take practical steps locally and support nature recovery in your community.

🌿 Explore the toolkit on our website https://www.gloucestershirealc.gov.uk/climate-biodiversity

19/05/2026

Dame Fiona Reynolds, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, is hosting a series of walks in the county in support of her 'Rural Gloucestershire' theme for the year. She is inviting residents to these walk and talk events to celebrate our countryside and better understand the challenges and problems they are facing.
Visit her website for dates and details https://www.damefionareynoldsgloshighsheriff.com/

This website serves as a platform to share Fiona’s activities for the year, to invite you to take part in some of her events, to share your thoughts about rural Gloucestershire and as a route to contact her.