Supporting Gloucestershire's Clerks & Councillors

We are a membership organisation supporting Gloucestershire’s parish and town councils and parish meetings.

We provide advice, training and resources to help councils serve their communities effectively and with confidence.

We specialise in council law and procedures and support councils across a wide range of issues, from governance and finance to community services and local projects.

We work closely with district, county and national partners to ensure the voice of local councils is represented at every level.

Chris Haine, CEO

Chris champions lifelong learning and has many years’ experience in central government. A skilled HR and people practitioner, he recently served as Coleford’s Town Clerk. He enjoys sport, second-hand bookshops, and a game of Scrabble.

Kerrin Wilkinson, Strategic Support Officer

Kerrin started her career as a journalist and has 30 years' experience in marketing and publicity. She brings strengths in communication, digital marketing and relationship building. She is a keen ultra runner.

Ruth Waller, Senior Advice Officer

Ruth began her career in early childhood education and started her journey in local council administration in 2014. Ruth brings strengths in process management and governance. She was born in Cardiff and is proud of her Welsh heritage.

Nicole Finnegan, Finance Officer

We welcome Nicole to the GALC team! Nicole divides her time between Tewkesbury Town Council where she serves as the Finance and Events Officer, and GALC.

Services we provide to our member councils ...

  • Advice on parish and town council law and procedures

  • Training for councillors and clerks

  • CiLCA mentoring and professional development

  • Information and guidance from government and sector bodies

  • Website resources including vacancies, model documents and guidance

  • Signposting to specialist support (employment, grants, VAT)

  • Support for councils facing challenges, including mediation

  • Loan application processing

  • Internal audit service

  • Networking opportunities through courses, webinars and the AGM

  • Opportunity to submit motions for debate at the AGM

  • Representation through the Board, providing strategic leadership and governance

  • Affiliation to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and access to its services

  • Partnership with county associations to share best practice and influence nationally

  • Lobbying on issues affecting parish and town councils

  • Engagement with district and county councils

  • Access to locum clerks