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How to apply

The first step is to register online. We will then charge a small registration fee. 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. You can apply for any award level (i.e. you don't need to start with the Foundation Award). Once your criteria are prepared and in order, you confirm this in a public meeting. You then notify your local accreditation panel coordinator (either us or your local county association) and provide the application form, including relevant documents and online links. An accreditation fee will be payable once an award has been achieved. County associations that manage their local panels may have differing fee timelines, so please check with your local accreditation panel coordinator.

Fees

There are two fees:

  • A registration fee is paid to the National Association of Local Councils
  • An accreditation fee is paid to the organisation responsible for administering the local or regional accreditation process.

Registration fee:

The registration fee (£50 excluding VAT) is paid to the National Association of Local Councils by all councils for each level regardless of size.

Accreditation fee:

The accreditation fee varies according to the award applied for, the council's income and the council’s accreditation history. The accreditation fee covers the cost of the accreditation panel decision-making process only. County associations may charge additional advice, training, or application support costs. Those services and fees will be determined locally. The Improvement and Development Board will review fee levels annually. The fee is reduced by 20% if the council sought accreditation at a lower level within the previous 12 months, as the checking process covering criteria in the prior award requires less work.

Foundation Award:

  • Annual income under £25,000 — £50
  • Annual income over £25,000 — £80

Quality Award:

  • Annual income under £25,000 — £80
  • Annual income over £25,000 — £100

Quality Gold Award:

  • Annual income under £25,000 — £100
  • Annual income over £25,000 — £200

The figures quoted are the discounted rates for NALC members. Both the registration fee and accreditation fee are reduced by 50% for member councils. Non-member councils must pay the full fee, i.e. double the figures quoted above.

National panel dates

The national panel has dates for three different rounds throughout the year.