What's on the agenda?

Hosted by The SLCC Podcasting Team

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Insightful content, tips and Q&A sessions for town and parish clerks, mixed in with keynote interviews and in-depth features.

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37 recent

March 17, 202618 min

French Communes Explained: How Local Government Works in France

In this episode we delve into the unique structure of French communes, contrasting it with the local council system in England and Wales. Richard Walden FSLCC, SLCC Honorary Vice President, shares his rich experience from living in a French village and discusses how French communes originated post-revolution and evolved with the introduction of intercommunal cooperation. These communes manage strategic services and address challenges like depopulation and rural decline. The podcast also highlights the role and influence of State-appointed prefects in France's governance and discusses the implications and potential of adopting similar systems in England.

March 4, 202613 min

The Power of Presence: Why Branch Engagement Matters

In this episode we dive into the initiatives driving the support and engagement of SLCC branches. Michael King, SLCC Head of Policy and External Communications, hosts Lara Jacob PSLCC, SLCC Branch Empowerment Officer, and Hayley Jennings PSLCC, Secretary of the Warwickshire and West Midlands Branch. They discuss the importance of face-to-face interactions, the varied challenges branches face, and the support needed from SLCC. Warwickshire's journey from dormancy to vibrancy illustrates the vital role of enthusiastic volunteers. The discussion underscores the interconnected nature of branches and their support system, vital for the sustainability of local councils and democracy.

January 21, 202614 min

Training Tomorrow’s Clerks: Inside Sway Parish Council’s Apprentice Initiative

In our latest podcast episode, Michael King, SLCC Head of Policy and External Communications is joined by Katie Walding, Clerk to Sway Parish Council, and Estela Hernandez Smith Apprentice Clerk to discuss their exciting apprentice clerk initiative. Katie explains their decision to introduce an apprentice position to manage increasing council duties and provide valuable training. Estela shares her experiences and the benefits of combining work with education. They also highlight the cooperation with other councils to offer Estela a comprehensive training experience, demonstrating how small councils can foster talent while addressing staffing challenges.

December 18, 202518 min

Leading Through Service: President Lance Allan on Career, Community, and Presidency

In this podcast, Lance Allan shares his incredible journey from being a young parish councillor to becoming the President of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). Lance reflects on his career, emphasising the transformative power of local councils in community development. He recounts his cycling adventure to honor the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of combining his passions for governance and cycling. Lance also discusses his future plans, including the digitalisation of local governance processes and his dedication to sharing valuable experiences with fellow councils across the UK.

March 28, 202516 min

Martyn’s Law and Local Councils: The Road Ahead

In the latest episode of ‘What's on the Agenda?’, our host Michael King is joined by Kevin Roberts, a Consultant in Security Licensing and Events Management, and Helen Ball, Clerk to Shrewsbury Town Council and SLCC Board Director, to discuss Martyn’s Law. They explore how the law will impact local councils, what clerks need to be aware of, and the guidance available to help them navigate these changes. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of Martyn’s Law and the role of clerks in its delivery.

December 17, 202414 min

Through the Darkness: John McCarthy's Tale of Captivity and Resilience

In this episode we sit down with John McCarthy CBE and hear his story of the terror and tedium of his five-year captivity in Beirut during the Lebanon hostage crisis in 1986. He details his initial naivety as a young journalist getting to work out in the field, the onslaught of his capture, the enduring friendship with fellow hostage Brian Keenan, and the periods of utter terror and depression. He also touches on the theme of feeling cut-off and isolated, and draws parallels with ordinary people dealing with personal trauma, proving that shared humanity and resilience are vital, regardless of individual experiences.

December 5, 202414 min

In the Spotlight: Rob Nothman’s Journey as a BBC Sports Presenter

In our latest podcast episode, seasoned sports broadcaster Rob Nothman gives us a unique peak into the world of sports broadcasting and his fascinating career at the BBC. From Olympic Games to Premier League football, he shares his favourite interviewees, including golf legends Severiano Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. Rob also talks about the difficulties in interviewing high-profile figures such as Jurgen Klopp, and the thrill of interviewing sports icons who have an aura of 'stardust' about them.We also hear about his unforgettable experience playing at the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta, viewing it like 'going to heaven without the bother and expense of dying'.

December 3, 202410 min

At the Outset with Gina Lopes PSLCC: The President’s Year Ahead

In this episode we sit down with Gina Lopes PSLCC, the 2024/25 SLCC President, following a historic election aspresident, and re-election as a director of SLCC on the same day. Gina shows her readiness to undertake the demanding nature of her new role, expressing her enthusiasm for the chance to visit as many branches as possible, and raise the profile of clerks globally through meeting international counterparts.Gina also takes us through her career from how she got into clerking over 20 years ago, to now being President of SLCC, and provides insights into her chosen charities, White Ribbon UK, and the SLCC Educational Trust.

November 25, 202417 min

Understanding the White Ribbon Campaign

In this episode we talk to Steve Trice PSLCC, SLCC Director and Clerk to Haywards Heath Town Council, Sharron Jones FSLCC, SLCC Director and Clerk to Hawarden Community Council, Gina Lopes PSLCC, SLCC President, SLCC Director and Clerk to Stoke Ferry Parish Council, and Adam Keppel-Green FSLCC, SLCC Chair and Clerk to Knutsford Town Council, about the White Ribbon campaign, how it fits into SLCC's broader mission, and why it is such an important cause to support.The White Ribbon campaign promotes an end to violence against women and girls. In this episode we learn about SLCC’s action plan and the ongoing work to communicate and engage with members about the campaign. Using personal anecdotes, we learn about the campaign's potential to effect positive behavioural change and achieve gender equality in local government and beyond.

November 5, 202413 min

International Insights With The IIMC

In this episode, Michael King, SLCC’s Head of Policy and External Communications speaks to Lisa Garcia, Town Clerk of Florence, Arizona USA and IIMC President, Chris Shalby, IIMC Executive Director, Linda Larter, Clerk to Sevenoaks Town Council and IIMC Region XI Director, and Arnout van Kooij, Griffier (Clerk) to the municipality of IJsselstein in the Netherlands and IIMC Region XI Director who share insights into the world of clerking from an international perspective, describing the evolving roles, challenges, and gratification of the profession.Lisa Garcia, IIMC President, also speaks on her journey towards presidency and goals to promote the clerk’s profession and ensure transparency in government.The role of IIMC and its regional structure, specifically Region 11, is elaborated by Linda and Arnout as Region XI Directors who share their experiences of clerking and how the role differs and is portrayed internationally.

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