Local Council Award Scheme -

Gold

To achieve a Gold award a council demonstrates that it meets all requirements of the Bronze and Silver awards, and is at the forefront of best practice by achieving an excellent standard in community governance, community leadership and performance management.


The council confirms by resolution at a full council meeting that it meets all requirements for the Bronze Award and that it also publishes on its website:

Criteria demonstrating good governance in managing the business and finances of a council: 

  • A business plan covering a financial forecast for at least three years linked to revenue and capital plans for the council and its community

  • Ensures that the council delivers value for money
Criteria representing a council’s role in the community and how it engages with the community

An annual report, online material, news bulletins and other council communications with evidence of:

— Engaging with diverse groups in the community using a variety of methods

— Community engagement influencing council activity and priorities

— A wide range of council activities, including innovative projects, that produce positive outcomes for the community

— Co-operating constructively with other organisations

— Active promotion of elections, including that at least two-thirds of its councillors stood for election

Provides leadership in planning for the future of the community  

Engages with the community on issues related to the environment and climate change

Criteria representing council improvement through the management and development of staff and councillors

  • Manages the performance of staff and the council as a corporate body to achieve its business plan

  • Supports a culture of civility and respect in the council

Fees

Registration fee: £50. 

Accreditation fee: 

Annual income under £25,000 - £100

Annual income over £25,000 - £200

All fees are payable to NALC.

How to Apply

You can apply for any award level - you don't need to start at Bronze

Step 1: Register with NALC 

You do not need to have all the criteria in place at this stage, you are simply registering your interest in taking part in the scheme

Step 2: have the criteria prepared and in place, confirm this in a public meeting

Step 3: send your completed application form to NALC 

The council notifies the accreditation panel co-ordinator when the resolution has been agreed and provides a completed application form, including webpage addresses to where the information can be found online.

For panel dates and more information click here