The Clerks Corner

🚨 1 Day to Go: Neighbourhood Planning in a Modern World 🚨

Tomorrow, we'll be exploring how communities can effectively engage in Neighbourhood Planning with the experts from GoCollaborate - Neil Kirkland and Katerina Sukstul.

📅 Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

🔍 What you'll take away:
- Neighbourhood Planning and Neighbourhood Plans - what communities can do
- Top tips for delivering Neighbourhood Planning
- The future - how is local democracy changing - the impact of technology and AI

🎟️ Register for this free webinar here: https://buff.ly/4d3IzHS

💻 As digital interactions grow, councils must maintain a trustworthy, secure, and accessible online presence.

Securing a .gov.uk domain offers significant benefits:

😇 Enhanced trust: Signals an official government site, boosting credibility.
☂️Increased security: Stringent protocols protect sensitive information.
🤝 Access to government services: Utilises government tools for enhanced security and functionality.
⚖️ Better GDPR compliance: Simplifies data management within UK jurisdiction.

Interested in finding out more?
Dive deeper here: https://buff.ly/4biZJ3v

We're curious to know where your council is on the path to transitioning to gov.uk domains.
Let us know in the comments 💬

Benefits of GOV.UK Domains: A Guide for Parish and Town Councils As digital interactions continue to grow, it’s crucial for councils to ensure their online presence is trustworthy, secure, and easily accessible to their constituents. One effective way to achieve this is by using a .gov.uk domain for your website and email. Here, I’ll discuss the benefits and ...

🚨 Webinar alert - Neighbourhood Planning in a Modern World 🚨

Join us for a live session with Neil Kirkland and Katerina Sukstul from GoCollaborate to learn about Neighbourhood Planning, practical tips for effective community engagement, and the impact of technology and AI on local democracy.

Neil and Katerina bring extensive experience in community engagement and innovative solutions to empower local councils. This webinar is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding and skills in Neighbourhood Planning.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 24th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

🔗 Free registration: https://buff.ly/4d3IzHS

Will you join us?

🚨 1 Day to Go: Cloud Computing Made Simple for Town and Parish Councils 🚨

🌐 Join us tomorrow for a talk with John Fagan, CEO of Scribe, about the benefits of switching from desktop software to cloud solutions.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Learn how cloud technology can make your council's work easier and more accessible.

Ideal for clerks and RFOs who are new to cloud computing or thinking about making the switch.

🎟️ Register for this free webinar here:
https://buff.ly/4cYrJdu

Who is coming?

🚀 What is Scribe Academy™? It's our training program designed specifically for Council Clerks, RFOs, and Councillors.

At Scribe Academy™, we are dedicated to helping you stay informed, confident, and efficient in managing your Council's finances.

🧑‍🎓 Free Unlimited Training: Our commitment to our clients includes providing a range of free training webinars throughout the year, accessible to both new and existing customers.
💻 Expert-Led Webinars: Our sessions, hosted LIVE by a panel of experts, cover essential topics such as Local Council Accounting, VAT, annual returns, data entry, bank reconciliation, and more.
🗣️ Interactive Learning: Get your questions answered in real-time, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

💡 Who should attend:
- Clerks
- RFOs (Responsible Financial Officers)
- Councillors
- All members of Local Councils eager to expand their knowledge and capabilities.

Join us to learn how to make the most of Scribe Accounts, stay updated on new product developments, and improve your financial management skills.

📅 Register for our next webinar here: https://buff.ly/3Vbl4Xe

🚨 Webinar alert - Cloud Computing Made Simple for Town and Parish Councils 🚨

☁️ Join us for a session with John Barry Fagan to learn about the differences between desktop software and cloud solutions, and how moving to the cloud can make daily operations easier.

John Fagan, CEO of Scribe and a tech pioneer since 1995, developed one of the UK's first online mapping services and now focuses on creating cloud apps for parish and town councils.

This webinar is perfect for clerks and RFOs new to cloud computing or thinking about switching from traditional desktop software.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Find out how cloud solutions can simplify your council tasks and improve accessibility 💡

🔗 Register here - it's free:
https://www.scribeaccounts.com/scribe-academy-training-schedule/cloud-computing-made-simple-for-town-and-parish-councils-17-jul-24

Don't miss this chance to make your council's operations easier and more efficient!

🥕 Local markets do more than just offer fresh produce and handmade goods—they are the heartbeat of their communities.

With over four decades of experience in the market industry, David Preston has seen firsthand how these vibrant hubs can transform and enrich lives.

Here are ten key benefits:

📈 They support small businesses, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
🌱 They reduce food miles and packaging waste, promoting sustainable living.
⛏️ They offer interactive learning about local produce, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
📸 They showcase local traditions and attract tourists seeking authentic experiences.
🍎 They provide access to fresh, nutritious foods and health education.
🫂 They foster community interaction and a sense of belonging.
⭐ Markets preserve and pass down local traditions and cultural practices.
💡 They encourage innovation among artisans and vendors.
🛣️ Markets rejuvenate underutilized urban areas and contribute to urban renewal.
❤️‍🩹 They adapt quickly in times of crisis, ensuring essential services continue.

Local markets are more than just places to shop—they are the pillars of local communities, supporting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.

That's why town and parish councils should actively invest in these community assets to foster a thriving society.

You can read more about it here:

Exploring the Advantages: 10 Ways Local Markets Benefit Society Welcome to the first installment in our Mini series on local markets. This Blog delves into the myriad ways in which markets enrich our communities. Markets have woven the fabric of communities for centuries, bringing vitality and a sense of togetherness to towns and cities. As Chief Executive of th...

Gov.uk benefits and how to

Benefits of GOV.UK Domains: A Guide for Parish and Town Councils As digital interactions continue to grow, it’s crucial for councils to ensure their online presence is trustworthy, secure, and easily accessible to their constituents. One effective way to achieve this is by using a .gov.uk domain for your website and email. Here, I’ll discuss the benefits and ...

Shout out to my newest followers!

Tell us what your first job was 😎

Ladislav Szabo, Casey Day, Luke Madgwick, Gary Davies, Bhajan Kaur, Najaf Ali, Liz Dean, Goran Goran, Danna Xiomara, Mbokazi Yasolwandle, Robin Leach

🚨 Exciting News Alert! 🚨

Our July Newsletter is dropping next week, and you won't want to miss it!

📬 We're name-dropping our Scribefest 2024 Keynote Speaker, sharing some of the latest news in the sector, signposting you to some great webinars and event opportunities this month and much more.

Sign up now to be the first to hear!
👉 https://buff.ly/4eSdZmk

Join our 4,800+ subscribers to start receiving your monthly dose of valuable information and stay connected with the industry!

Are you new to council accounting?
Looking to ensure your books balance effortlessly?
Want to understand VAT returns and schemes better?

🚨 Webinar alert - Stepping into Local Gov Finance: Accounting Basics for Clerks and RFOs

Join us for a live online training session with Hannah Driver, Scribe Support Accountant, to gain essential knowledge in managing your council's accounts.

This webinar will cover the basics of local council accounting, best practices, and effective procedures to keep your accounts in order. Ideal for new Clerks and RFOs, regardless of council size or current accounting practices.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

🌟 Tune in to discover:

- The unique aspects of local council accounting
- Super easy procedures to keep your books balanced
- How VAT returns work and which scheme to use

Register here (FREE):
https://buff.ly/3RPqYeA

Don't forget to bring your questions for Hannah ✅

🚨 Free Webinar - Biodiversity Part 2: The Duty on Parish and Town Councils 🚨

🌿 Join us for a session with Amanda Davis to learn about the essentials of biodiversity and climate change, and what is required of councils to meet their duty.

Amanda, a Parish Councillor at Bourton on the Water, Executive Committee member of the Gloucestershire Association of Town and Parish Councils, and Cotswolds National Landscape Board Member, will guide you through practical steps and strategies for councils to get started.

📅 Date: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

This webinar is a must for Clerks and council members committed to environmental stewardship.

🍃 Tune in to learn more and bring your questions for Amanda.

🐝 Free registration is just here:
https://buff.ly/4eHfEL8

Shout out to my newest followers!

Tell us where you are from and what was your first ever job !

Gordon Mcmillan, Dave Mee, Andrea Mateo, Phyllis Bonner, Helen Mc Quarrie, Matthew Clay, Штерн Ихцак, Alf Chapman, Lynda Mead, Stuart Hignell, Kay Kanvess, ItZz Fery

Learn how Scribe transforms Town and Parish Councils' Accounts from our customer case study 👇

""It's just so user-friendly! I don't have a favourite application, I love it all! I just think if I can use it, anyone can use it." Lisa, Clerk to Charmouth Parish Council

▶️ https://buff.ly/4dMa2z1

Have a look at our features and see if they'd help you manage your role as a clerk: https://buff.ly/3wzTSbd

Lisa Tuck- Clerk to Charmouth Parish Council

🌟 Is it time to upgrade your financial management system? Take our quiz to find out! 🎯

Managing your local council's finances can be daunting, but having the right system in place makes all the difference.

We've created a quick quiz to help you evaluate your financial management system's performance. It covers all the bases, from ease of use to compliance with the latest regulations.

If most of your answers are Bs or Cs, or if you need a system that better fits your council's requirements, visit us at scribeaccounts.com.

We can make your financial management processes more efficient, compliant, and stress-free 🧘🧘‍♀️

🚨 Upcoming webinar: Biodiversity Part 1 - Biodiversity Net Gain🚨

🌳 How can town and parish councils effectively implement biodiversity net gain?

Join us for a webinar with Andrew Maliphant to learn about the essentials of evaluating planning applications with biodiversity in mind and the importance of having a robust biodiversity policy.

Andrew brings over 25 years of experience in regeneration programme and project management and is currently the Environmental & Sustainability Advisor for SLCC.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 26th, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Is your council working on improving biodiversity?
Are you looking to enhance your planning application processes?

🌱 Tune in and bring your questions for Andrew.

🐞 Free registration is just here: https://buff.ly/3KOHyXS

🚨 Free Webinar: The Ultimate Tool for Clerks and RFOs - See Scribe in Action 🚨

Spend a bit of your Tuesday morning with us during a live online session with Nathan Foster to learn about selecting administrative software and the benefits of using Scribe.

💡This webinar will:
- feature a live demonstration from our Sales Team,
- showcase key features from our Support Team,
- showcase customer stories of moving to Scribe.

We'll also have a Q&A session at the end!

✅ Ideal for Clerks and RFOs wanting to manage accounts, venue bookings, cemeteries, and allotments more efficiently.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 25th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Free registration is here: https://buff.ly/4crXqeV

Free webinar this Wednesday: 🚨 Stepping into Local Gov Finance: Accounting Basics for Clerks and RFOs 🚨

Join our live online session with Hannah Driver, Scribe Support Accountant, and master the essentials of local council accounting. Perfect for new Clerks and RFOs of any council size!

This session covers best practices and procedures to keep your accounts in top shape.

✅ Perfect for new Clerks and RFOs, no matter the size of your council or the complexity of your accounts.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 19th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

New to local council accounting?
✨ Learn easy steps to balance your books, handle VAT returns, and choose the right VAT scheme.

Grab your free spot here: https://buff.ly/4cFl3Rp

🚨 Stepping into Local Gov Finance: Accounting Basics for Clerks and RFOs 🚨

Join us for a live online training session with Hannah Driver, Scribe Support Accountant, to learn the basics of local council accounting, best practices, and procedures to keep up with your accounts. This session is perfect for new Clerks and RFOs, regardless of council size or the accounts' management.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 19th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you a new Clerk or RFO looking to get a solid understanding of local council accounting?

✨ Tune in to find out easy procedures to make sure your books balance, understand how VAT returns work, and learn which VAT scheme you should be using.

Free registration is just here:

Scribe Academy - Stepping Into Local Gov Finance: Accounting Basics for Clerks and RFOs Jun 19, 2024 Join our Head Accountant Hannah and learn how master your Council's accounts and go from zero to hero! Discover the basics of local council accounting, best practices and good procedures to keep on top of your accounts. This session is perfect for new Clerks and RFO's regardless of council size and....

⭐ The Local Council Clerk Week continues and we'd like to share how clerking has enriched the lives of the clerks The Society of Local Council Clerks has spoken to 👇

‘After 19 years of being a clerk, I still find the job challenging, exciting, diverse and with no two days the same. You can go to work each morning and know you are making a difference! We often work alone but are a powerful force when we all get together and the network of support from colleagues and SLCC is amazing.’ said Gina Lopes PSLCC, Clerk to Easton Parish Council.

‘It’s a privilege to be a leader in public service. Being a Clerk requires chameleon-like powers to adapt to the environment and the challenges of the day ahead. Even the smallest of tasks can have a very positive impact on the people we serve. The big things can be superb!’ said Joseph Whelan, Clerk to Hertford Town Council.

Read more stories here: https://buff.ly/3wNs433

We wish all the clerks lots of success and satisfaction in their roles.

Don't forget we run regular free training sessions for Clerks - the Scribe Academy. Have a look and register here: https://buff.ly/3Vbl4Xe

SLCC | Local Council Clerk Week Thank you to everyone who supported Local Council Clerk Week (LCCW) from 10 to 14 July. The week aimed to raise the profile of the role of the clerk and...

▶️ To celebrate Local Council Clerk Week, watch 'A day in the life' video of Paul Wynne PSLCC, Town Clerk to Frome Town Council:

A Minute of Me - Paul Wynne A day in the life of Paul Wynne PSLCC, Town Clerk to Frome Town Council to celebrate Local Council Clerk Week.

🚨Special webinar to celebrate the Local Council Clerk Week 👇

If you're a clerk (or any other local council employee), join our FREE webinar tomorrow:

📨 The Power of Community Newsletters: A Case Study from Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council

🕜 Thursday 13/6/2024 at 10-11 am

Ready to launch or improve your council's newsletter?
Get inspired and bring your questions!

Register here:
https://www.scribeaccounts.com/scribe-academy-training-schedule/the-power-of-community-newsletters-a-case-study-from-wolverton-and-greenleys-town-council

🥳 Grab your party hats and start blowing up the balloons because this week is the time to celebrate those at the heart of our local councils!🤩

Here at Scribe, we’re joining SLCC’s Local Council Clerk Week initiative and shining a spotlight on the indispensable role of Clerks and the incredible work they do for our communities.

Join us in honouring the dedication and hard work of our Council Clerks by leaving a message of appreciation and we'll add it to our online Clerk appreciation wall💜

Leave your message here: https://buff.ly/4ek2d3x

10 - 14th of June 2024 is Local Council Clerk Week 🥳

Ever wonder who keeps your town running smoothly? It's your local council clerk!

📃 From running council meetings, liaising with MPs, applying for grants, and organising community events, clerks do it all.

They handle finances, manage parks, fix potholes, and even lead volunteer efforts for clean-ups.

Clerks are the heart of about 10,000 local councils in England and Wales, ensuring everything runs smoothly and legally. They’re the unsung heroes of our neighbourhoods.

This week, let’s give a big shout-out to our local clerks and thank them for all their hard work! 🌟👥

If you're a clerk (or any other local council employee), join a special FREE webinar we're hosting this week:

'The Power of Community Newsletters: A Case Study from Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council'
Thursday 13/6/2024 at 10:00 am

Register here: https://buff.ly/45fpVdh

Local Council Clerk Week 2024 Local Council Clerk Week (LCCW) is a celebratory week aimed to raise the profile of the role of the clerk and to recognise the work clerks do for their commu...

💁‍♀️ Proven methods for connecting with hard-to-reach communities - a case study from Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council

Wolverton and Greenleys, is a tapestry of varied demographics, each with its unique needs and aspirations. When Andrea Vincent, MBE, Clerk for the town council, stepped into her role, it became evident that to truly serve their community, the council needed to go beyond the traditional boundaries of their operations.

They had to innovate, listen, and most importantly, engage with those who often felt unheard.

This blog is a chronicle of their endeavours to do just that:

🤝 reaching the hard-to-reach,
🤔 understanding their perspectives,
💖 incorporating their voices into the very fabric of local governance.

You can read it here, get inspired and plan for your council's strategy:

Beyond Boundaries: Proven Methods for Connecting with Hard-to-Reach Communities Hello, I'm Andrea Vincent, MBE, Clerk for Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council. I recently had the privilege of presenting a webinar on Scribe Academy™ titled "Hard to Reach Communities," where I shared our journey and strategies for effectively connecting with diverse groups within our Town Paris...

📧 Here's why Mailchimp can be a game-changer for town, parish and community councils:

🖼️ User-friendly interface - perfect for all skill levels, making it simple to create professional and engaging emails.
🔐 GDPR compliance - built-in features ensure data is handled securely, respecting resident privacy.
💷 Cost-efficiency - starts free and scales with your needs—ideal for managing public funds wisely.
📊 Powerful segmentation - tailor messages to specific community segments to increase relevance and engagement.
📈 Robust analytics - understand what works and refine your strategies for better results.

Mailchimp isn't just a platform; it's a way to modernise how councils connect with communities, ensuring every communication really counts ✨

Fancy learning more about it?
▶️ Watch the replay of our webinar with Clare Lucas, the founder of UK Ducks in a Row, here:

Transforming your Council's Email Campaigns Join us for an insightful discussion on email marketing and community engagement using Mailchimp! In this video, we explore the power of Mailchimp and how it...

✉️ Transforming resident email communication with ChatGPT - request our template!

Today we want to talk about a brand new way to respond to your emails by bringing ChatGPT into your team. It's like adding a dash of magic to your email responses, making them faster, smarter, and way more helpful:

📨 No more email headaches - our template, now with ChatGPT, simplifies handling resident emails, from routine requests to complex queries.

🎪 Versatile query handling - from local event info, and planning concerns, to environmental issues, ChatGPT enables a broad spectrum of enquiries to be addressed with precision.

💗 Empathetic communication - ensuring responses are not just informative but also engaging and empathetic, mirroring your councils' dedication to residents.

👀 Smart and safe - remember that ChatGPT can sometimes provide inaccurate or fabricated information, so clerks need to verify all AI-generated content before dispatch.

If you want the template, send John a message at [email protected] 👈

ChatGPT Template - Clerk Assistant - Draft Emails Responses to Residents Enquiries The Clerk's Digital Partner: ChatGPT and Our New Template for Enhancing Resident Email Interaction," we explore the groundbreaking integration of ChatGPT wit...

Scribe cloud products are super easy to use, enabling you to efficiently manage your council wherever you are. But don't just take our word for it 👇

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://buff.ly/4cY6jxV

🚨 Webinar Alert: Everything You Need to Know About Your Council's Website and gov.uk 🚨

Join Mark Tomkins, Founder of Aubergine and author of the NALC Web Accessibility Handbook, for a live online training session that delves deep into managing and boosting your council's website.

Mark will share insights on:
✅ Ensuring website accessibility and compliance
✅ Key updates to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines coming in October 2024
✅ The benefits and process of acquiring a .gov.uk domain for enhanced credibility

This session is ideal for anyone involved in creating, managing, or upgrading council websites, offering strategic and practical advice.

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Register for FREE here:
https://buff.ly/3QOfA2b

We can't wait to see you there!

💬 Grammarly: a tool supercharging communication for town and parish councils

In an era where clear, professional communication is more crucial than ever, Grammarly emerges as a game-changer for councils aiming to effectively connect with their communities.

It's like a friend who checks your writing and gives you tips to make it better, making sure you sound your best 👌

Why should you use it?

📝 Impeccable communication: from community newsletters to social media posts, Grammarly ensures your messaging is clear, error-free, and professional, elevating your council's image.

🔄 Real-time corrections: with intuitive spelling, grammar, and punctuation suggestions, Grammarly streamlines your writing process, saving precious time.

💼 Professional tone: tailor your message's tone to be engaging, friendly, or formal with advanced tone detection, ensuring it resonates with the intended audience.

🔒 Privacy and security: handling sensitive information with care, Grammarly prioritizes user privacy and data security.

🚀 Efficiency and productivity: by automating proofreading, council employees can focus on the substance of their content, improving their productivity and communication speed.

Getting started is really easy. Have a look at our guide just here: https://buff.ly/4aQMOFp

Happy writing!