National Networks
Our national networks leverage the increasing use of digital communication by parish and town councils, capitalising on the recent trend towards remote meetings and events to:
- Connect parish and town councils and councillors nationwide based on common interests and groups
- Foster engagement with our initiatives and campaigns among various groups
- Facilitate mutual support among network members
- Promote the exchange of learning and best practices
The network meetings occur quarterly via Zoom, supplemented by regular email communications and access to network WhatsApp groups for members. For more information about our national networks, please email us at [email protected].
Click on the images to learn about our networks and how you can join them.
Climate emergency
This climate emergency network is designed for parish and town councils actively involved in or considering local initiatives to tackle climate and ecological emergencies. It focuses on sharing practical, actionable measures that parish and town councils can implement to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session. Join this network if you would like to learn how your parish or town council can use its existing powers to fight climate change and access funding opportunities.
The network meeting dates are 5 February 2024, 9 May 2024, 12 July 2024 and 11 October 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
Coastal communities
This coastal communities network is specifically designed for parish and town councils in coastal areas. It provides a platform to discuss challenges facing coastal communities and for sharing experiences to develop strategies to tackle these issues, as well as space to hear about the initiatives aimed towards these communities. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session. Join our network to connect with coastal communities and gain valuable insights.
The network meeting dates are 27 February 2024, 19 June 2024, 19 September 2024 and 28 November 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
LGBT+ councillors
The LGBT+ councillors network fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for parish and town councillors who are part of the LGBT+ community. It works towards raising awareness about LGBT+ issues, contributing to the community's visibility, and encouraging a sense of pride and celebration of diverse identities whilst sharing knowledge and experiences. The network outlined key priorities for the next year, such as developing a toolkit, identifying an LGBT+ champion in each county, contributing to our policy initiatives, enhancing visibility, and producing content to showcase the recent work of councils and councillors. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session. Join our network to connect with LGBT+ councillors, gain valuable insights, and contribute to increasing visibility of the LGBT+ community in local government.
The network meeting dates are 22 January 2024, 8 April 2024, 15 July 2024 and 24 October 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
Micro councils
The micro councils network is for smaller parish and town councils with an annual budgeted precept or turnover of £10,000 or less. It is dedicated to showcasing the impactful ways in which even the smallest councils can serve their communities while lightening the load on their clerks and responsible financial officers. We achieve this by fostering a culture of knowledge and experience sharing. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session.
The network meeting dates are 25 July 2024 and 4 October 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
Super councils
The super councils network is for the largest parish and town councils, which have an annual precept of over £1m or an annual turnover of over £1.5m. It provides a platform to discuss issues relevant to councils of this size, hear from expert speakers, and share good practices. The network discusses topics such as the Corporate Peer Challenge, creating Age-friendly communities, the Office for Local Government’s work on data collection, joint working between parish and town councils and principal authorities, and securing income from non-precept sources. We also consult with the network to support our campaigns and inform our response to government consultations. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session.
The network meeting dates are 14 February 2024, 16 May 2024, 12 September 2024 and 15 November 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
To learn more about the network and how to join, please email us at [email protected].
Women councillors
The women councillors network is for women councillors currently serving on a parish or town council. It provides a supportive platform for discussing challenges, sharing experiences, and developing strategies to enhance their effectiveness in their roles. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session. Join our network to connect with fellow women councillors, gain valuable insights, and contribute to a collective voice advocating for gender equality in local government.
The network meeting dates are 29 January 2024, 2 May 2024, 11 September 2024 and 31 October 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.
Young councillors
The young councillors network is for younger councillors aged under 40 who are currently serving on a parish or town council. It aims to support emerging leaders by providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by younger elected officials. The meetings often feature a guest speaker or workshop session. Join our network to connect with fellow young councillors, gain valuable insights, and influence the future of local governance.
The network meeting dates are 5 March 2024, 23 July 2024, 4 November 2024 and 3 December 2024. Unless stated otherwise, meetings will take place between 12.00 and 13.15.