Become a Member

Membership is open to Town, Parish or Community Councils or Parish Meetings. Being a Member gives your Councillors and Clerk direct access to a range of expert advice, support and services specifically for the Parish sector. For further information about joining your County Association please email daptc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

We run monthly 'What We Do' drop in sessions - if you would like to know more check out the next available date.

Membership Benefits

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION | Includes membership of DAPTC and NALC. Subscription is based upon the size of your community.

TRAINING | Access to locally run courses as well as national training providers on a wide selection of sector specific topics.

SUPPORT & ADVICE | Clarification on the legislation for the sector and guidance on best practice for Clerks and Councillors.

ONLINE INFORMATION | Access to the DAPTC website and NALC's online resources to help councils deliver more in their communities.

PUBLICATIONS & BRIEFINGS | Access to sector publications showcasing projects and ideas as well as current hot topics for the sector.

WEEKLY E-News & MONTHLY TRAINING E-News | Helping you know what's available and when in terms of training courses and Working Together Webinars.

Click here to view an example E-Newsletter

Who are NALC?

Established in 1947, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is a membership organisation and the only national body representing the interests of local councils. NALC works in partnership with county associations to support, promote and improve local councils.

Who can join

Local council is a universal term for community, neighbourhood, parish and town councils. With 10,000 local councils across England, every local council is able to become a member of NALC by joining their local county association.

What we do

NALC provide a national voice for local councils across England. We campaign on their behalf, raise awareness of their work and provide them with a range of services to support their needs.

Why join NALC?

Campaigning – lobby for the issues that are important to local councils and communicating those views to government and a range of influential organisations, in the private, charity and public sector

Legal, accounts and audit advice – Written, telephone and digital advice from NALC’s well-experienced solicitors

Publications – A quarterly magazine, LCR, fortnightly Direct Information Service (DIS), guides on being a good councillor, employer, finance and transparency, neighbourhood planning and a range of toolkits

Publicity – Raise the profile of local councils and the sector beyond a regional level

Conferences, events and training – NALC’s national events and training sessions are opportunities to bring our diverse membership together to learn about new or topical initiatives, and share ideas

Media – Guidance on how to deal with a media crises, how to deal with reporters and media outlets and writing a media policy

Standards, awards and recognition – Opportunities all year round for local councils to take up the chance to celebrate and be recognised for achievements through the Local Council Award Scheme, Council Spotlight and Star Council Awards

Find out more about NALC's services, achievements and what our members had to say about our work in our handy Benefits of Membership booklet.

How to join

Becoming a member of NALC is an easy and simple process. You cannot be a member of NALC without being a member of your county association. Membership to your county association will give you automatic membership to NALC as well.

Join your local country association by emailing daptc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Costs

NALC will charge you £6.99 per elector for your membership from 1 April 2019.

Membership fees will be capped at £1,750 per council. This cost will be added to your annual county association membership fee.