BALC offers many benefits and services exclusively for its membership. The list below is just a brief indication of what your membership allows us to do for you.
Information
Our enquiry service can be contacted by phone, email, fax or letter,
throughout normal working hours. Information is disseminated through
our regular newsletter (Matters Arising) and in mail shots.
Training
Training events are held at various venues throughout the county;
BALC is the lead partner in the new County Training Partnership (BBCTP),
formed under the auspices of the National Training Strategy. Quality
Parish Status will depend on clerks being well-trained and obtaining
their CiLCA certificate.
Advice
Free technical, legal and policy advice is available from the BALC
office; complex enquiries are referred to the legal team at the National
Association. NALC also offers free advice on the legality of contracts
such as leases. All local council borrowing approval must be sought
via the BALC office.
Publications
Textbooks, such Local Council Administration, are available for sale
though the office (at heavily discounted prices) and we have a selection
of books for borrowing; these may be especially relevant for clerks
studying the Local Policy Course. There are also a variety of leaflets,
stationery and videos, at low cost or free to members.
Input to Policy Formation
Through automatic membership of NALC, our members can directly influence
decision making at the highest level.
Consultation
Copies of the latest relevant consultation documents are sent directly
to all district association chairmen, for them to consult individual
parishes. Details of consultations are always listed in the newsletters.
Representation
BALC sends representatives to many organisations, including those
concerned with regional government issues, like the South East England
County Associations Forum (SERCAF), the South East Regional Assembly
(SEERA) and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
