The Model Council

Simple online information, guidance by subject and templates to help local councils conduct business

© Suffolk Association of Local Councils 

Allotments

Use this link to view guidance on allotments

Appendix 1 - NALC advice notes

View and access links to NALC advice note available on their website. NALC account and login required.

Appendix 2 - Templates

Link to our template database, policy checklist for large and small councils and the calendar year for local councils

Appendix 3 - E-books and publications

Link to Good Councillor Guides, e-books and other essential publications

Appendix 4 - Jargon buster

A directory of phrases, acronyms and references commonly referred to with brief explanations

Audit

Use this link to view guidance including a video briefing designed to help your council consider what to do in preparation for their internal audit.

Chair

Use this link to view guidance covering the role, election, absence, meetings and allowances.

Code of Conduct and Standards

Use this link to view guidance including a link to a bookmarked video recording of our briefing sessions presented by some of the co-authors of the new LGA Cllr. Code of Conduct.

Community governance reviews

Use this link for guidance on community governance reviews

Council governance

These articles include how the council is formed and includes roles and responsibilities of councillors, chair and officers.

Council staff

Use this link to view guidance on council staff

Councillors

Use this link to view guidance on this topic covering qualification criteria, disqualification, acceptance of office, interests, complaints and conduct.

Elections & Co-option

Use this link to view guidance including booked recordings and presentations from our January 2023 election briefings for clerks.

Managing people

Use this link to view guidance including video guides and a comprehensive recruitment pack produced by the national Civility and Respect Project.

Meetings

Use this link to view guidance on notice periods, preparing the agenda, absence, quorum, rules of debate, minutes and annual meetings.

Parish Meetings (no parish council)

Use this link for information on Parish Meetings where there is no parish council.

Planning

Use this link to view guidance on planning matters.

Powers and Duties

Use this link to view guidance covering powers and duties

Transparency Codes

Use this link to view guidance on Transparency Codes