1. Quality Workshop
The Local Council Award Scheme is a great guide for good practice in our sector and a way for councils to build confidence in their work. This workshop will look at what's involved and the benefits it can bring to councils.

2. Overview Introduction Improvement and Development Board (IBD)
History of Quality Status
The Local Council Award Scheme
Accreditation Process
Allocation of Assessors
Timeframes and role of Coordinator
Resources
Reviewing progress/process

3. Improvement and Development Board
The Improvement & Development Board develops the strategy for, and oversees the operation of, improvement and development initiatives in the local council sector in England, including the LCAS and National Training Strategy. It was established in 2013 by agreement between the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks. (operating at a National level)

4. History of Quality Status
Quality Scheme launched 2003 (1 level only)
Quality Criteria

5. The Local Council Award Scheme
The scheme is designed to recognise achievement and set a framework for continuous improvement

6. Benefits To the council
Improved performance and confidence, with policies in place for continuous development
Recognition and respect for commitment and hard work
Assurance of being up-to-date and progressive
To partners
Confidence that the council is delivering to a national professional standard
To the sector
A contribution to the national reputation of local councils demonstrating achievements and a commitment to improvement
The opportunity to assess and improve

7. The Award Scheme Three levels: Foundation (minimum standards)
Quality (good practice)
Quality Gold (best practice)

9. The Award Scheme Three themes: Good governance Community leadership
Council development

10. The Accreditation Process
Foundation level: check for lawfulness otherwise not judgemental (electronic checking system)
Quality and Quality Gold include review of lower level criteria (electronic checking system, and confirmation via telephone)
Quality Gold may include discussion with staff and councillors (may include a visit)

11. Registration
The council registers its intention to apply for a specified award online at
The council pays a registration fee to NALC
NALC provides the applicant with a template application form and the contact details of the co-ordinator of the appropriate accreditation panel
NALC provides the co-ordinator with information of the councils application
When a council is ready to make its application, its clerk notifies the panel co-ordinator and provides a link to its website or online facility
The council also pays the accreditation fee at this stage

12. NALC Register Update records CALC Ready to start Panel assessment
Decision
Aware of registration
Local Council
I want to take part
Criteria in place
Celebrate! 12

13. Assessment Principles
Peer review – panel representation
Simple, efficient and flexible
Encouraging and supportive
Open
Every council that wishes to take part in the scheme is able to, and is assessed in a reasonably consistent way.
No strict rules
Devise a robust accreditation approach for your councils. The process can be adapted to fit local need

14. Accreditation Panel
Encouraging and supporting the improvement of councils - the panel aim to help councils to achieve awards, providing constructive help
Checks that criteria for the relevant award have been met in published and/or requested information
Do not examine every document in detail - carry out spot checks and make recommendations
As all information and documents are available online/in electronic format (no meeting required). Each member of the panel completes a form to the co-ordinator
The co-ordinator reviews the completed forms from the panel who identify if additional information is required
For Quality Gold, the panel may wish to discuss the council’s activities with councillors/staff, or visit the parish

15. Panel – assigned levels
Foundation (2 panel members)
Quality (2 panel members)
Quality Gold (3 panel members) – possible planning meeting
All assessment templates provided

16. Timeframe
The process is undertaken within a 2 month period (approximately).
Council notifies co-ordinator they are ready to submit application
Coordinator appoints panel reps (within 1 week)
Panel reps appointed/confirmed (within 2 weeks)
Panel reps undertake assessment (within 3 weeks)
Council notified if further information is required (1 week to provide)
Panel agree a response, co-ordinator informs council and NALC (1 week)

17. The Outcome
Once sufficient information is received, the panel agrees a response
Award achieved
Lower award
No award until improvements are made
Celebration: resources to encourage making the most of the award
Gaining a higher level award, re- accreditation or loss of award

18. The Outcome – continued
If a council has applied for a higher award but has not achieved all the criteria, the panel can award a lower award, this would be in exceptional circumstances
The panel should let the council know as soon as possible if it appears that they have omitted necessary evidence or it appears likely that they will not achieved the award, and the council should be given time to respond to feedback
The co-ordinator informs the council of the outcome within two months of being notified of the application
The co-ordinator informs NALC of the outcome and successful councils are included in the published list. NALC also issues a certificate and provides resources to help the council celebrate and promote their achievement which is sent to the co-ordinator
A council may appeal to the Improvement and Development Board (with an additional fee) if it feels that the panel’s decision is unjustified

19. What next? Accreditation lasts for four years Upgrading
If a council wishes to apply for a higher award, it makes a fresh registration and application.
A council can make an application for a higher award at any time. If this is within two years of the previously successful accreditation, the panel does not need to revisit evidence that was previously approved.
Re-accreditation
The council may seek re-accreditation at the same level after four years.

20. Removal of Accreditation
The council is expected to maintain its reputation by meeting the criteria throughout the four years.
Although some circumstances may change, the council will not lose its award unless a significant event demonstrates the council’s poor performance. In this case, a panel co-ordinator asks the IDB to appoint two representatives to review the situation. The IDB assesses the severity of the case before deciding whether to impose a sanction which may include the removal of all awards or returning the council to a lower award.
The council can appeal to the IDB if the decision to remove an award is taken in which case two different IDB representatives review the case and their decision is final.

21. Resources LCAS guide Template accreditation feedback document
Panel members
CALC Coordinator

22. Review progress/process
Review processes
Case study analysis
Identify training
Consider regional input

23. Questions