What award level to apply for

We offer a structured framework designed to recognise and promote excellence among parish and town councils of all sizes. These awards – the Bronze Award, the Silver Award, and the Gold Award – provide a clear pathway for councils to demonstrate their commitment to high standards of governance, community engagement, and continuous improvement.

Bronze Award

The Bronze Award is tailored for councils aiming to showcase their adherence to essential standards, ensuring effective delivery for their communities. Achieving this award necessitates the council demonstrating that it possesses the necessary documentation and information to operate lawfully and in accordance with established practices. Furthermore, the council must have policies in place for training its councillors and officers, laying the groundwork for future improvement and development initiatives.

This award serves as a benchmark for evaluating your council's performance. It challenges you to meet the minimum standards and prompts thoughtful consideration of ongoing development and improvement. It provides a structured framework for councils to establish a solid foundation, fostering a commitment to excellence in their operations.

Silver Award

The attainment of the Silver Award signifies that a council excels in governance, community engagement, and continuous improvement. Distinguished by going beyond mere legal obligations, quality councils emerge as leaders within their communities, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance and develop further.

To secure the Silver Award, a council not only fulfils all the requisites of the Bronze Award but also provides additional evidence showcasing exemplary governance, effective community engagement, and notable council improvement initiatives. Given the elevated level of this accomplishment, a council bestowed with the Silver Award may also qualify to exercise the general power of competence, underscoring its commitment to exceptional standards and proactive leadership.

Gold Award

The prestigious Gold Award signifies that a council stands at the pinnacle of best practices, attaining excellence in governance, community leadership, and council development. Distinguished by their forward-thinking approach, Gold Award councils not only provide exemplary leadership for their communities but also foster unity, exhibit outstanding business planning processes ensuring optimal value for money, and consistently pursue innovative solutions and opportunities for improvement.

These councils serve as beacons of the highest standards achievable within our sector, showcasing the epitome of what can be accomplished for our communities. The Gold Award represents their unwavering commitment to exceptional performance and continuous advancement.