What we do
DerbyshireALC represents the county's Parish Councils, Town Councils and Parish Meetings.
Our aim is to professionally support members through specialist training, expert advice, sharing good practice and by providing a voice for the sector within Derbyshire and beyond.
We also strive to protect and promote the interests, rights, functions and privileges of our members in the performance of their duties, and promote a widespread and well-informed interest in local government. In addition, our annual Excellence Awards seek to highlight the exceptional work done by the councils, councillors and clerks throughout the county on behalf of the communities they represent.
Membership is open to any Derbyshire parish or town council or parish meeting on payment of an annual subscription.
DALC is a not-for-profit membership organisation and, as such, is unable to deal with queries from members of the public, but is happy to make general information available through this website.
Our core services
Advice and information
Expert advice is available on a range of subjects including; Legal, Governance, Employment, Administration, Policy, Finance, VAT, Insurance, and all other aspects of local council roles and responsibilities.
Training
DALC's extensive year-round programme of training courses equips councillors and clerks with the relevant skills to carry out their roles in the local council sector.
DALC Awards
Our well established DALC Awards highlight the exceptional work done be Derbyshire's councillors, clerks and councils.
National affiliation
Membership of DALC provides affiliation to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), which represents local councils at national level as well as providing opinions on legal and procedural matters.
Helpdesk
DALC help and advice is available via our members portal and by email or phone (01629 826655)
Council powers
Local (Parish and Town) Councils have a wide range of powers (things they can do) and a few duties (things they must do) set out in law. for a full breakdown of the councils powers and duties se our downloadable guide
Our Values
Act with Integrity and Trust
We are honest, open and truthful in everything we do. We act impartially, confidentially, and work in a trustworthy way, (so members have confidence in our advice and guidance).
Respect and Listen
We treat everyone with respect, empathy and compassion, valuing different perspectives and experiences. We approach every interaction by listening actively and remaining non‑judgemental.
Fair and Professional
We act with professionalism, remaining calm and composed, even in challenging situations. We are aware of different interests; responding thoughtfully to maintain balance and confidence.
Enabling best practice/ Collective representation
We share good practice; work collaboratively with member councils; supporting and enabling them to succeed. We represent member councils’ interests when interacting with outside bodies e.g., Local Authority, Police, MPs.
Knowledgeable and Effective
We are accessible, focused on practical solutions, and committed to achieving positive outcomes. We use our knowledge and expertise to help our members solve problems in a timely way.