We are delighted to announce that bookings are open for the Somerset Parishes Conference 2026. This year’s theme is ‘Community Leadership’.
9am to 4pm on Thursday the 8th October at the Canalside conference centre, near Bridgwater.
The day will include:
The Somerset Parishes Conference provides a valuable opportunity for councillors and council officers to meet and learn from each other. It’s a chance to engage face-to-face with our Somerset partner organisations alongside a marketplace of expert service suppliers.
We are privileged to welcome an opening address from our honoured guest, Mohammed Saddiq, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.
Conference opening and panel, chaired by Ewan Jones, SALC Chief Executive:
Gain practical insight from subject experts and fellow councils, with workshops covering topics from community health and flood resilience to digital tools and community assets.
Pre-Lunch Workshops
Afternoon Workshops
SALC is grateful to our event sponsors: Somerset Council, Parish Online, and CloudyIT, as well as all our exhibitors for enabling us to put the Somerset Parishes Conference 2026 at zero cost to city, town and parish council delegates.
| 9am | Arrival, Networking and Marketplace |
| 9:45am | Opening address: Mohammed Saddiq, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset |
| 10:00am | SALC AGM (Hollinsworth Hall) and SLCC Somerset Branch Workshop (Maunsel Room) |
| 10:45am | Conference opening and panel, chaired by Ewan Jones, SALC Chief Executive:
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| 11:30am | Coffee, Networking and Marketplace |
| 12noon | Morning Workshops |
| 12:45pm | Lunch, Networking and Marketplace |
| 1:45pm | Afternoon Workshops |
| 2:30 pm | Community Governance Reviews and Elections: Somerset Council |
| 2:45 pm | Tea, Networking and Marketplace |
| 3:15 pm | Star Council Awards, presented by Loretta Whetlor, SALC Chairperson |
| 4:00 pm | Conference Close |
The Conference will commence with registration, coffee and networking, followed by a keynote speech from Mohammed Saddiq, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, then SALC’s AGM, followed by plenary sessions, workshops, and the marketplace exhibition throughout the day. The day will culminate in Somerset’s first-ever Star Council Awards, presented by Loretta Whetlor, SALC Chairperson.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided, with dietary needs catered for via your booking.
Owing to venue capacity, and that Somerset boasts more than 270 city, town, and parish councils and parish meetings, tickets are restricted to two representatives of each local council. Councillor delegates will be prioritised. In order for councils to benefit fully from the conference, we encourage a clerk or officer to accompany the councillor delegate.
Parking at the venue is limited. We encourage car sharing where possible and will aim to organise priority parking for Blue Badge holders who notify info@somerset-alc.org.uk
SALC Annual General Meeting
All papers for the SALC AGM will be added to the SALC website homepage, and issued by email during September.
Introducing Somerset’s Star Council Awards 2026
We are excited to introduce Somerset’s “Star Council” Awards at our Somerset Parishes Conference 2026. We invite member councils to join together on Thursday 8th October to recognise and celebrate:
Nomination instructions are available on the SALC website: Introducing Somerset’s Star Council Awards 2026.
The Somerset Association of Local Councils Ltd (SALC) is seeking expressions of interest from councillors serving on councils in membership of the association.
If you are keen to help shape SALC’s service and forge partnerships across Somerset, we are keen to hear from you.
Four director vacancies will be up for election at the AGM, covering each of the four Somerset areas. Each directorship is for a period of 3 years, falling vacant in 2028.
To find out more about what it means to become a SALC company director, including the role description and time commitments, email Ewan at ceo@somerset-alc.org.uk
Marketplace Exhibition:
Aubergine: Aubergine are a leading provider of accessible and compliant .gov.uk websites for parish and town councils, offering website building, content inputting and ongoing training and support to help keep your council’s website accessible and compliant. They offer lots of modules available to add enhanced tools – such as planning portals, event tickets, online forms, consultations and polls, and online payment systems.
CCLA Investment Management: CCLA is one of the leading investment managers for local authorities in the UK, as well as the largest fund manager for charities in the UK based on the number of charities invested with them (Charity Finance, November 2024). CCLA was Money Marketing’s Best ESG Provider for 2024.
Civic.ly: Civic.ly is asset management software built for parish, town and community councils. It gives councils one place to keep their asset register, schedule and record inspections, and track defects through to repair. The clerk, councillors, grounds staff and contractors all work from the same up-to-date picture. Photograph an asset on a phone and Civic.ly identifies it and adds it to the register. Inspections use ready-made checklists and can be done in the field. Civic.ly covers buildings, play areas, open spaces, street furniture, vehicles and more, and helps councils show good governance to auditors and insurers.
Clear Councils Insurance: Clear Councils is part of Clear Insurance Management, one of the UK’s largest Independent Insurance Brokers. They are insurance specialists for councils, charities and not-for-profits, working with Aviva to provide competitive insurance solutions while providing advice and training to clerks/ councillors in all aspects of managing risk.
CloudyIT: CloudyIT is a leading provider of cutting-edge digital solutions designed specifically for local councils across the UK. They understand the unique challenges councils face, and are dedicated to helping them enhance their productivity, improve communication and strengthen their cybersecurity. Through innovative technologies, hands-on support, and tailored IT services, CloudyIT is at the forefront of digital transformation within local government.
Eden Project: Local councils have supported the Eden Project’s flagship campaign, The Big Lunch, bringing millions of people together annually in June for some friendship, food and fun, fostering friendlier, safer neighbourhoods and encouraging people to share skills and resources. The Eden Project team provides communication toolkits, digital packs, and advice to help you participate, as well as supporting community action all year round through their events and courses.
Eibe Play: eibe have been creating high-quality playground equipment for over 50 years, specialising in designing durable, sustainable, and safety-focused playgrounds that inspire creativity, movement, and social interaction. eibe are a full-service provider, offering: advice, planning, manufacture, delivery, and installation, with fee consultations and 3D designs for custom play areas.
Gallagher: Gallagher provides specialist council insurance and expertise and knowledge of the sector, enabling them to create bespoke insurance solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each local council. Gallagher’s service offering is also designed to support any organisation funded by the public purse, encompassing the entire public sector, from the largest public entities to smallest organisations.
James Hallam Insurance: James Hallam Council Guard (previously known as WPS) are a leading independent broker in the UK and have a dedicated team to assist local councils when it comes to their insurance requirements with over 25 years experience in the sector. We provide a tailored service to suit your individual council needs. Visiting you as required and working with an exclusive panel of insurers we aim to provide best value cover and a prompt response in all circumstances.
Michaels: Since 1995, Michaels are a proud UK manufacturer of Civic Robes, Headwear & Accessories. Working closely with Civic Officers and Secretaries, Michaels have created a long-standing reputation of quality, reliability and excellent customer service. As well as Civic Robes, Michaels also manufacturer Civic Regalia such as Past Mayor/Chair Badges, Replica Badges of Office, Honorary Badges & Pin Badges.
Parish Online: Parish Online provides mapping software, websites, GOV.UK email and cloud office tools to help a local council be more efficient, resilient and professional. Their services are designed for the precise needs of local councils and constantly evolve to meet requirements. Clerks and councillors love their services as they are easy-to-use, cost-effective and supported by their team of IT and council experts. Parish Online operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise.
Proludic: Proludic has over 35 years of experience in the design and creation of play areas. Equipment is supplied for children of all ages and for all play environments, including parks, playgrounds, leisure attractions and residential areas. Proludic play equipment is manufactured mainly in timber or metal. The company manages all stages of its manufacturing chain. Proludic offers a free design and consultation service using its dedicated design department and nationwide Area Managers. Clients are guided through the creation of their play areas. Bespoke solutions can be incorporated where required.
Tozers LLP: Tozers LLP is a specialist law firm advising local authorities in the South West on planning, housing, employment, property, governance, contracts, disputes, standards, equality, and data protection. With an experienced team, Tozers LLP offer fast, clear, practical, and cost-transparent advice to withstand statutory and financial scrutiny on affordable housing delivery, site acquisition/ disposal, leases, easements, contracts, employment matters (including TUPE, redundancy and tribunal claims), and dispute resolution.
Unity Trust Bank: Unity Trust Bank has a wealth of experience supporting local council customers. Through a deep understanding of councils’ structures and the challenges they face, they can provide a range of banking solutions
Wellers Solicitors: Wellers Solicitors are a Surrey based law firm who advise Town, Parish and Community Councils throughout England and Wales. Our team has over 40 years of experience supporting Local Councils and brings a strong commitment to understanding the unique challenges they face. With a transparent fee structure and a responsive, approachable service, Wellers is a trusted partner for all legal advice and guidance tailored to your needs. Initial advice is available on a fixed fee basis.
Wicksteed: Wicksteed proudly leads the way in UK play, designing and manufacturing in the heart of the UK. With one of the widest ranges of playground equipment, we bring play to life for schools, communities and town and parish councils too. No matter the size or budget, whether it’s a single item or a full park revamp, we have solutions to suit every space and need.
