BATPC was pleased to be amongst the exhibitors at the Bedfordshire Branch of the Society of Local Council Clerks’ (SLCC) successful Market Stall Event, which took place at Astral Park in Leighton Buzzard earlier this month.
The event was designed by the branch as an advice, guidance and networking opportunity “facilitated by the sector for the sector”. It brought together town council officers with specialist knowledge across Democratic Services, Community Services, Environment alongside wider sector support, including BATPC’s own market stall staffed by County Officer Robin Thomas.
Participants discussed real‑world issues and solutions, forging new links and strengthening local relationships in the informal, collaborative setting on the day. Topics covered ranged from agendas and minutes to events, youth work, open spaces, planning, and organisational support, with the format enabling meaningful conversations between officers on the issues they tackle on behalf of their councils week in and week out.
The branch reports that feedback from attendees has been excellent, with many attendees commenting on how beneficial it was to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.
The event was kindly hosted by Leighton Linslade Town Council and supported by partners including, in addition to BATPC, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Councils and of course SLCC itself, with SLCC President Lance Allen, Chief Executive Rob Smith and Branch Empowerment Officer Lara Jacob all in attendance.
Commenting, Robin Thomas said: “BATPC was delighted to be a part of such a successful event for the local council sector in Bedfordshire, which both demonstrated and further developed the strength and value of local relationships.’
“It was of course only possible thanks to the hard work of the SLCC branch, and we were grateful for their invitation to join local and national partners in the cause of enhancing collaboration and good practice across Bedfordshire’s local councils.”
Amongst the resources available on the BATPC stall on the day was a summary of the advice services available to BATPC member, which you can read here.
There is more information about the Society of Local Council Clerks, including membership options for clerks, on its website, here.