Author: David Hall, managing director, CloudyIT
For the second consecutive year, CloudyIT is proud to sponsor the Clerk of the Year category at the prestigious NALC Star Council Awards. This sponsorship underscores our unwavering commitment to the local government sector and highlights the invaluable role that clerks play in our communities.
Recognising the unsung heroes: the vital role of council clerks
Council clerks are often the unsung heroes of our communities. They are the backbone of town and parish councils, ensuring that essential services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Despite their critical role, the contributions of clerks can sometimes go unnoticed. At CloudyIT, we believe it’s time to shine a spotlight on these dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Clerks manage everything from administrative tasks to complex regulatory compliance, and their work is crucial for the smooth operation of councils. They are the linchpins that hold the fabric of local governance together, making them indispensable to our communities. By sponsoring the Clerk of the Year award, we aim to honour their dedication, resilience, and outstanding service.
CloudyIT’s commitment to digital transformation in councils
With over 250 councils, including the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), and the Smaller Authorities' Appointments Audit (SAAA), relying on our digital services, CloudyIT has become a trusted partner in the sector. We offer a range of solutions designed to enhance digital skills and improve the digital workplace for clerks, from the smallest parishes to the largest super councils.
Our GovSuite solution encompasses a variety of essential services, including Finance, CRM, and the latest in council AI technology. Whether it's providing .gov.uk email domains, cloud storage, or more complex IT services, CloudyIT is dedicated to supporting councils in their digital transformation journey.
Empowering councils with digital champions
To further our commitment, we have assembled a team of sector digital champions. These are councillors and clerks from across the sector who support councils with complex or specialist needs. Our digital champions also represent CloudyIT at events nationwide, sharing their expertise and advocating for the benefits of digital transformation.
A digital roadmap for modern councils
At the core of our digital transformation strategy is Microsoft 365, which we use to modernise IT systems across councils. Our specialist services support councils on their digital journey through free and discounted training, an eLearning Hub, and our comprehensive GovSuite solutions. These include:
- GovFinance: Streamlining financial management.
- GovMarketing: Enhancing communications with residents.
- GovAssist: Supporting daily operations with efficiency.
- Specialist Applications: Managing allotments, inspections, bookings, cemeteries, and more.
More information about these services can be found on our IT support for councils page.
Looking Forward to the Awards Ceremony
We are honoured to support the sector and recognise the essential role that clerks play. The NALC Star Council Awards ceremony is a highlight of our year, providing an opportunity to meet the finalists and celebrate their achievements. We eagerly anticipate announcing the Clerk of the Year winner and congratulating all the nominees who exemplify excellence in local governance.
Conclusion
At CloudyIT, we are dedicated to championing the unsung heroes of our communities. By sponsoring the Clerk of the Year award, we aim to acknowledge the critical work of council clerks and support their ongoing digital transformation. Together, we are building a future where digital innovation and dedicated service go hand in hand, ensuring that our councils can continue to thrive and serve their communities effectively.
The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.