PRESS RELEASE
Local Council Clerk Week: 7 – 14 June 2025
Empowering change with Local Democracy
From bustling towns to rural hamlets, the unsung heroes of local government—local council clerks—are the driving force behind the services and spaces that shape our everyday lives. As we mark Local Council Clerk Week 2025, we shine a spotlight on the professionals who keep the wheels of grassroots democracy turning.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Change,” reminds us that the most accessible and impactful transformations can start right on our doorstep. Town, parish, and community councils are the first tier of local democracy, and clerks are the professionals who make them work.
Since their inception in 1894, local councils have evolved into dynamic, community-led bodies that manage everything from parks and play areas to climate initiatives, youth centres, and public events. In 2025, their role is more vital than ever. As English devolution continues to shift power closer to communities, local councils are stepping up—and clerks are leading the charge.
Whether it’s securing funding for a new skatepark, coordinating remembrance parades, advising councillors on complex legislation, or rallying volunteers to clean up a riverbank, clerks are at the heart of it all. They are trained, qualified, and deeply committed to public service.
In Wales, community councils are seizing new opportunities to shape local futures. With clerks guiding the way, these councils are becoming powerful engines of change—responsive, resilient, and rooted in the needs of their people.
Rob Smith, Chief Executive of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), said:
“Clerks are the lynchpins of around 10,000 local councils across England and Wales. They’re not just administrators—they’re leaders, advisors, and community champions. As we look to the future of local governance, it’s clear: if you want to see democracy in action, look no further than your local clerk.”
Local Council Clerk Week is a chance to celebrate the profession, raise awareness of its impact, and inspire the next generation of clerks to step into a role where they can truly empower change.
For more information about Local Council Clerk Week and the work of town, parish and community clerks, please contact:
Michael King, Head of Policy and External Communications
michael.king@slcc.co.uk
The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) is the professional body for clerks serving over 5,000 local councils in England and Wales.