South West Training Seminar Agenda

Local Government Reorganisation, Localism & Levelling Up: Implications & Opportunities for the Sector
Dr Carlton Brand, Retired engineer, non-exec director, coach, trustee & governor at Wiltshire College & University Centre

Dr Carlton Brand, FRSA is a retired engineer, non-exec director, coach, trustee and governor at Wiltshire College and University Centre where he leads on safeguarding.

He was Programme Director at Somerset County Council where he authored the business case for a single unitary council for Somerset, where he lives, and steered the proposal through the democratic process locally and nationally – it being approved by the Secretary of State in 2021 for implementation April 2023 without amendment.

Carlton worked as a senior manager for Ford Motor Company designing and developing cars and trucks for 22 years, working and living throughout Europe, the United States and Japan.

Looking to work in his local community, he moved into local government, first as a Corporate Director at St Edmundsbury Borough Council before moving to Wiltshire County Council leading on unitary implementation. He was Executive Director for resources and transformation; place-based services (economy, environment, planning and transport); adult social services and public health (mental health, learning disabilities, older people, reablement and safeguarding). He held the statutory posts of Head of Paid Service, Director Adult Social Services and Electoral Registration Officer & Returning Officer for all elections.

Carlton holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies, MSc Advanced Automotive Engineering, Manufacture and Management and a Doctorate in Engineering; he is a level 7 qualified executive coach and programme & project manager and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA). His biography appears in Who’s Who.

Community Engagement – The Monster is coming!
Becky Walsh, Community Manager

Getting local engagement with residents, communities, businesses, voluntary organisations and other partners can be tough. It’s often the case that the same people apply for grant funding and turn up to meetings. What about the wider community and how can we engage with them so the council isn’t ‘hard to reach’? 

In her role as Community Manager on the SEE MONSTER art installation platform, Becky Walsh will share her experiences in creating a ‘Think Tank’ engagement strategy for SEE MONSTER and how this same strategy can be applied to town and parish councils. 

@beckywalshcom 

Membership Engagement & Being the Best Clerk 
Naomi Bibi, SLCC Head of Member Services

Naomi Bibi will be talking about her new role as Head of Member Services. She will update you on the work that she has been doing with Local Branches, the Mentoring Service, and with the Advisory Service, and she will also be asking you what the SLCC can do to improve member engagement to ensure we are delivering exactly what you need. She also wants your help on how to be the best clerk in the country!  

Government Reforms of the Planning System – Clerk Essentials
Andrew Towlerton, SLCC National Advisor 

The government has embarked on “radical” and “far-reaching” reforms of the planning system in England which will “streamline” and “modernise” it. 

This session will examine the most significant developments over the last year that will have practical and strategic implications for clerks and the sector in more general.  It will cover important reforms that have already taken place as well as those in the pipeline. 

Operation London Bridge
Philip Peacock PSLCC, SLCC President

One of the significant events to prepare for in the future, with an unknown date, is the passing of HM the Queen. Nationally, the State Mourning and Funeral plans have been prepared by the Earl Marshall, for a number of years and are regularly reviewed. Is your council ready for this major historic event, for which no date can be given and you will only get one chance to get it right? This session will look at the areas your council may wish to consider in making plans for Operation London Bridge.