Formed by Parish Councils - Run for Parish Councils - Delivering to Parish Councils What does HAPTC and NALC membership offer? Carina Helmn County Officer

What membership provides Legal, procedural and employment advice (qualified and indemnified to do so) on all Parish Council matters Support for member councils in all that they do A broad range of quality training for Councillors, Clerks and officers A collective voice and representation both locally and nationally The latest information, news and guidance for the sector

Examples of practical support Represent the interests of member councils if disputes arise with Districts & Boroughs, or the County Council Working with Herts County Council and Ringway to improve the highways in parish council areas Support councils at times of emergency and need e.g. locating a locum clerk, staff recruitment or as an independent adviser to try to resolve ongoing issues Administer Borrowing Approval on behalf of Government Provide a range of toolkits and model contracts. New website designed around member needs, allowing resources to be accessed 24/7 via members section

Examples of practical support Free legal advice from specialist solicitors on specific issues facing individual member councils Free professional HR advice on staffing matters Free specialist advice on code of conduct matters Regular electronic bulletins which saves member councils hours each month in finding and interpreting vital information. Legal Topic Notes (written legal briefings on 85+ local councils topics from specialist NALC solicitors) Opportunities for networking with other councils free of charge to members e.g. neighbourhood planning

Examples of practical support Over 100 Local Advisory Information Sheets providing salient points in a manageable summary on Government consultations and legislation that are relevant to parish councils e.g. Sustainable Communities Act. This assists parish councils in making individual responses on complex issues often required within a short time frame Bespoke training for Councils on areas of specific interest to them e.g. roles and responsibilities, business planning, council structures, team building Specialist training and support on responding to planning issues effectively

Our Members 89 member councils out of 124 parish, community and town councils and parish meetings in Hertfordshire 5 new members joined in 2013 We operate three subscription formula with each council paying the lowest subscription rates. This rather complex situation creates fairness across the large range of member council sizes Subscriptions range: £ £3, member large councils with electorate over 6, member councils with electorates > 1,000 Total HAPTC income = £85,000 (surplus of £8,000 to reinvest into member services)

Testimonials “Your recent ‘2013 at a glance was an extremely useful way to see the value of your excellent service in these constantly changing and increasingly bewildering times” “Extremely informative and very enjoyable. Good training format as it enabled really good open discussions” “ All I can say is we would be lost without HAPTC” “Thank you for your comprehensive reply. The premier service as usual” “Your document library has been immensely valuable” “Thank you for your help it was just what I was looking for. I understand so much more now” “Excellent expert speakers”

Testimonials “I thoroughly enjoyed this morning’s training and learnt a lot” “Thanks you exhaust me! Great stuff keep it up” “Thank you for all your support – it’s wonderful” “Last night was brilliant I learnt so much and I can see that our council have been doing it wrong” “As ever many thanks for all the background work you put into running these events and ensuring that all goes smoothly. Very much appreciated” “I’ve spoken to Carina on the phone, she really is such a help and encouragement” “Good to talk with you, and keep up your excellent work! Always nice to talk with the person who sends such informative s which help us greatly on the council”

Finally…. We ARE our members We are formed by Parish Councils, run for Parish Councils and exist to deliver to Parish Councils We are not-for-profit; any surplus is reinvested into growing our services and support We’d like you to join the HAPTC family……………..