Clerks as Community Connectors: Building Bridges Between Councils and Communities
How parish clerks can go beyond statutory duties to become true community connectors — practical strategies for events, engagement, and creative communication from a clerk who's done it.
Aniko Szocs
Clerk, Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council
Thank you for taking the time to read about what I believe is one of the most important aspects of our work as parish and town clerks. My name is Aniko Szocs, though everyone calls me Annie (it just makes life easier for everyone!). I'm the clerk at Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council in Kent, where I have the privilege of working with what I call the "Fantastic Four" (my incredible team) and a forward-thinking council that shares my ambition to truly serve our community.
I recently had the opportunity to speak at a webinar hosted by Civic.ly about the evolving role of clerks, and I wanted to expand on those thoughts here. What I've learned over my time in local government is that while we clerks are often called the "unsung heroes" of local councils, we're actually so much more than administrators. We're bridge builders, community connectors, and catalysts for positive change in our parishes.
Why Our Role as Community Connectors Matters
Let me start with something I feel passionate about: clerks possess invaluable local knowledge and hold a unique position between the council and the community. We're not just the first point of contact for residents (though that's certainly important). We're the people who can create genuine links and earn trust within our neighbourhoods. This positioning gives us an incredible opportunity to strengthen the fabric of our communities.
Yes, we have our statutory duties. We manage agendas, take minutes, oversee finances, and provide legal advice to our councils. These responsibilities are fundamental to everything we do, and they're not going away. But over the years I've been in this role, I've watched it transform from being seen as "just the admin person" to something far more dynamic and community-focused. The legislation introduced over recent years, combined with new tools and technologies available to us, has fundamentally changed what it means to be a parish clerk in 2025.
As we face potential local government reorganisation, with central government expecting more collaboration between parishes and service providers, our role as connectors becomes even more crucial. We're the ones who can facilitate these partnerships, who understand both the bureaucratic requirements and the real human needs of our communities.
Pump Track
We installed a modular pump track for one week, and the response exceeded all our expectations. What struck me most were two things in the feedback we received.
"My son loved it yesterday! Lots of children really enjoying down there was lovely to see!
Big success! Would be great to see some of our money going into something like this!"
Community Engagement: More Than Just Newsletters
When people ask me about communication strategies, they often expect me to talk about newsletters and social media platforms. While these are absolutely essential (and I'll discuss them in detail), I want to challenge the traditional thinking about what "communication" means for a parish council.
Communication isn't just about broadcasting information. It's about creating dialogue, building relationships, and establishing trust. And some of the most effective communication happens in the most informal settings.
The Big Lunch Event: Our Flagship Community Gathering
One of our most successful initiatives started small in 2019 and has grown into something truly fantastic. Our Big Lunch Event brings together all the different groups and charities within our community, giving each a stand to promote what they do to residents. We organise different activities, but most importantly, we make sure our councillors are visibly present and engaged.
You'll often see one of our councillors manning the barbecue. Yes, our councillors actually cook for residents! We position ourselves right in the heart of the event with a large gazebo emblazoned with our council logo. This isn't about ego; it's about visibility and accessibility. When residents can approach us in this informal setting, they're far more comfortable raising issues, asking questions, and having real conversations. These casual interactions often tell us more about what our community needs than any formal consultation could.
Colour Run: Making Engagement Fun and Inclusive
If I'm being honest, the Colour Run is one of my absolute favourite events. You can see from the photos: the deputy Clerk and I were thoroughly covered in every colour imaginable! But beyond the fun (and the inevitable mess), this event represents exactly what we're trying to achieve. We're bringing the community together through enjoyable, colourful experiences that cross all age boundaries.
This event is organised in collaboration with the education team at Singleton Environment Centre, which the Parish Council supports financially. We deliberately keep it affordable so families from all backgrounds can participate. When events are accessible, everyone benefits.
Tree Trail: Turning Complaints into Education
Here's an interesting challenge we faced: trees are one of the most complained-about issues in our parish. Overhanging branches, blocked light, leaf litter. We heard it all regularly. Instead of simply responding to complaints reactively, we decided to change the conversation through education and involvement.
We created a Tree Trail designed to promote the trees in our parish and educate people about the benefits they bring to our community. The route is suitable for most abilities and has a medium length, making it accessible while encouraging people to be active and explore different parts of the parish.
Through education, we've started shifting perspectives. People are beginning to understand that while trees require some accommodation, the environmental, aesthetic, and health benefits they provide far outweigh the inconveniences. This approach — addressing concerns through positive engagement rather than simple enforcement — has created a ripple effect throughout our community.
Big Park Takeover: Maximising Community Assets
We're fortunate to have two large play areas in our parish, and we wanted to maximise their potential. The Big Park Takeover follows the same concept as our Big Lunch Event, but focuses specifically on young families. We set up different games and races, creating an afternoon of free activities that bring families together.
Again, we're there with our parish flags and gazebo, making ourselves visible and accessible. It's another opportunity to engage with residents in an informal setting where they feel comfortable approaching us. These events don't just serve the immediate purpose of entertainment. They build long-term relationships and trust.
Supporting Local Initiatives: The Community Orchard
Supporting local groups is another crucial aspect of our connector role. One group close to my heart is the Ashford Community Woodland, which maintains a community orchard. We facilitated the addition of fruit trees and helped with the planting process.
I'll be honest: I got quite dirty digging holes for those trees! But being physically present, working alongside residents and councillors, sends a powerful message about what our council stands for. Walking through that orchard in the summer and seeing the beautiful apples, cherries, and pears is absolutely fantastic. We're even considering organising jam-making classes where we can collect the fruit together and create something the community can enjoy.
Front Garden Competition: Sparking Community Pride
Sometimes the simplest ideas create the most significant impact. Our very first front garden competition seemed like a small thing, but it sparked something wonderful within our community. The involvement we received was incredible, and it created a genuine sense of pride in our parish.
While I emphasise the importance of events and face-to-face engagement, traditional communication channels remain essential. We take pride in our comprehensive approach to keeping residents informed.
Our Newsletter: Professional and Informative
Our bi-monthly newsletter is delivered to nearly 4,000 households across the parish. We produce it entirely on Canva, which has proven to be an excellent, cost-effective tool. We pack it with important information residents need to know while always directing people to our website for more details and updates.
The newsletter serves as a tangible reminder that the parish council is active, engaged, and working on behalf of residents. It's something people can keep, share with neighbours, and refer back to when needed.
Social Media Presence
We maintain active accounts on both Instagram and Facebook, and our reach has been steadily increasing. We're even considering creating content for TikTok. If you want to reach the younger generation, you have to meet them where they are. While we haven't finalised our concept yet, we're committed to exploring new platforms that will help us connect with all demographics in our community.
Website as Central Hub
Our website is the centrepiece of our communication strategy. It's not just a repository for agendas and minutes (though of course those are there). We use it to share contact information, news, local updates, and everything residents need to know about our council and community. We consistently encourage residents to check the website as their first stop for information.
Innovative QR Code Initiative
One of our newer initiatives involves pavement stickers with QR codes strategically placed around the parish. Each sticker links to a different section of our website, making information instantly accessible wherever people are. For example, someone walking past a recreation area might scan a code that takes them directly to information about booking facilities or upcoming events at that location.
This bridges the physical and digital worlds in a way that meets people where they are, making council information more accessible than ever before.
Brand Visibility Matters
At every event, our parish council flag flies proudly, our gazebo displays our logo, and our team wears council apparel. This isn't about ego. It's about accessibility. When residents can easily identify us, they feel comfortable approaching with questions, ideas, and concerns. Make yourselves visible and approachable. When residents can easily identify us, they connect the council tax funding our precept with the tangible benefits we deliver.
Specific Initiatives That Build Community Spirit
Pump Track: Listening to What Residents Want
We installed a modular pump track for one week, and the response exceeded all our expectations. What struck me most were two things in the feedback we received.
First, residents explicitly said they were happy to see their money going toward something like this. That validation is incredibly important. It shows we're investing in things the community actually wants.
Second, and perhaps more touching, were the stories about how older children respected younger ones on the track, patiently waiting their turn and helping the little ones navigate the course. That kind of intergenerational respect and community spirit is exactly what we're trying to foster.
Celebrating Volunteers and Community Champions
We make a point of celebrating volunteers in our parish who bring positive impact to our community. We present them with certificates and recognition, acknowledging their contributions. It's a small gesture, but it reinforces that their work matters and is noticed.
We also support local schools and groups with litter-picking initiatives, providing the equipment and encouragement they need to take pride in keeping their environment clean.
Free Book Stops: Promoting Literacy and Local History
Our free book stops are shaped like windmills, representing our local history while promoting reading throughout the community. These subtle initiatives demonstrate that community connection doesn't always require major events or significant budgets. Sometimes it's about creating small, accessible touchpoints that enrich daily life.
Halloween Craft Events: Affordable Family Fun
Our Halloween craft events have become hugely popular. These activities, held mainly during school half-terms, provide an opportunity for children to be imaginative through craft activities. We know half-term can be stressful and expensive for parents, so we deliberately keep these events budget-friendly.
The packed room full of parents and children serves a dual purpose: the children have fun and create memories, while we have the opportunity to speak with parents, understand their concerns, and build relationships with a part of our community we might not otherwise reach easily. When parents find us approachable and helpful at these events, they're more likely to come to us with other issues or ideas.
Celebrating Special Occasions
Over the past two years, we've had some particularly special events to celebrate. We approach these through craft activities and community involvement. One year, we used painted plastic bottle buttons to form "80 days" as part of our celebration. Last year, we created lanterns (these were really popular with residents).
We also provide barbecues at these events because, let's face it, food is an excellent incentive! But more than that, sharing food together is one of the oldest forms of community building, and it creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where people naturally connect with each other.
Engaging the Next Generation
We believe it's crucial to start community engagement from a young age. We recently welcomed a preschool group into our office. They were absolutely squeezed in, but their excitement about learning about local councils was infectious. These early dialogues plant seeds that can grow into lifelong civic engagement.
Empowering Ourselves as Clerks
While we work to empower our communities, we must also empower ourselves professionally. Many clerks who have been in the role for years can appreciate how drastically our responsibilities have changed. We're no longer just the admin person. We're strategic thinkers, community developers, legal advisors, financial managers, event coordinators, and so much more.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
I cannot stress enough the importance of participating in training sessions. Whether offered by your county association, the Society of Local Council Clerks, or platforms like Civic.ly and Scribe webinars, these opportunities are invaluable. Events like webinars provide platforms where you can learn online or attend face-to-face sessions.
But beyond the formal learning, these events offer something equally important: the opportunity to engage with other clerks, share experiences, and yes, steal ideas! I always steal ideas, and I think that's wonderful. We're not in competition with each other; we're all trying to serve our communities better, and sharing what works is how we all improve.
Embracing Technology
Every day seems to bring a new gadget or software solution, and it can feel overwhelming trying to keep up with all the changes. However, these advancements in technology can genuinely help our work, making us more efficient as clerks and better able to engage with our communities.
Celebrating Our Role
Most importantly, we should take a moment to celebrate what we do as clerks and recognise that these initiatives matter. We're making a real difference in people's lives, even when it doesn't feel that way on difficult days.
Practical Strategies for Implementation
For clerks reading this and thinking, "This sounds wonderful, but how do I actually implement it in my parish?" here are my practical recommendations:
Start Small and Build
We didn't launch all these initiatives at once. Our Big Lunch Event started small in 2019 and grew organically. Pick one or two ideas that resonate with your community's needs and test them out.
Work as a Team
Everything I've described is a team effort. I'm blessed to work with the "Fantastic Four" (my staff team) and a forward-thinking council that shares my ambitions. Success requires collaboration between clerks, councillors, and the community.
Budget Thoughtfully
Our annual events budget is around £7,000, which might sound substantial, but it covers all our activities throughout the year. We keep costs down by being creative, doing much of the work ourselves, buying supplies from warehouses, and having councillors volunteer their time. Many of our most successful events cost £50 or less in materials.
Make Everything Accessible
We deliberately keep our events affordable or free so families from all economic backgrounds can participate. This inclusivity is central to building a truly connected community.
Be Visible
Put up your gazebo, display your logo, wear your council apparel. Make sure residents know who you are and that you're approachable. The informal conversations that happen at these events are often more valuable than formal consultations.
Embrace Failure
Not everything will work. We tried to establish a community fridge, but despite our best efforts and multiple adaptations, it didn't work out for our community. We paused it, learned from the experience, and moved on to other initiatives. Don't let fear of failure stop you from trying new things.
Different Approaches for Different Communities
For Small Parish Clerks
You might not have a team of four or a significant budget, but you can still be a community connector. Focus on one or two initiatives that require minimal resources but maximum engagement. A walking group, a book swap, or quarterly coffee mornings can create the same connections with far less infrastructure.
For Lone-Worker Clerks
Lean heavily on your councillors and volunteers. Community connection isn't something you need to do alone. In fact, it shouldn't be done alone. Engage councillors in the planning and execution of events, and you'll find they're often enthusiastic about hands-on involvement.
For Urban Parish/Town Clerks
Consider how to create intimate connections within a larger population. Neighbourhood-focused events, ward-specific initiatives, or partnerships with existing community groups can help you avoid spreading resources too thin while still building bridges throughout your area.
For Rural Parish Clerks
Use your parish's character to your advantage. Rural communities often have strong existing connections. Your role might be more about facilitating and celebrating those connections than creating them from scratch. Consider events that celebrate rural heritage, agricultural traditions, or natural spaces.
Key Takeaways
If you take nothing else from this article, remember these essential points:
Your role extends far beyond statutory duties. You're a bridge between council and community, with the power to create meaningful connections.
Communication happens everywhere. Formal channels are important, but informal engagement at events often builds deeper trust and understanding.
Collaboration is crucial. Work with your councillors, your team, local organisations, and residents. Success requires partnership.
Listen and respond. Tailor your projects to what your community actually needs and wants, not what you assume they need.
Technology is your friend. Embrace tools that make your work more efficient and your communication more effective.
Start small and grow. Don't feel you need to launch everything at once. Test ideas, learn, adapt, and expand gradually.
Celebrate success and learn from failure. Both are valuable parts of developing effective community connections.
Budget thoughtfully. Community connection doesn't require enormous resources. Creativity, commitment, and consistency matter more than money.
Tools We Rely On
Our Tech Stack
Canva — indispensable for creating everything from newsletters to presentations. User-friendly and produces professional-looking materials without requiring graphic design expertise.
Microsoft Forms — excellent for collecting feedback from residents. Makes data gathering simple and analysis straightforward.
MailChimp — allows us to mass-communicate with larger audiences effectively, ensuring important information reaches everyone who needs it.
Hootsuite — keeps our social media presence consistent and professional. Ensures something is always being published for our residents.
Copilot and AI tools — the support these tools provide is genuinely helpful when used appropriately. They can assist with drafting, research, and administrative tasks, freeing up time for the community-facing work that truly requires human connection.
Looking Forward: Our Role in the Future of Local Government
As we face potential local government reorganisation and increased devolution to parish and town councils, our role as community connectors becomes even more vital. We'll need to collaborate more with other parishes and service providers, and we'll likely be expected to deliver more services than ever before.
This evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By listening to, engaging with, and understanding the needs of our communities, we can tailor projects and services that truly reflect what our residents want from us. We're not just administrators implementing decisions from above. We're active partners in shaping the future of local governance.
Conclusion
Being a clerk is about more than managing the mechanics of local government. It's about making our community spirit thrive and ensuring people feel proud to belong. When we step into our role as community connectors — bringing people together, connecting residents with organisations and services, facilitating dialogue, and supporting local initiatives — we make our communities stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Every event we organise, every newsletter we distribute, every conversation we have at the community centre or park is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our communities. Yes, we'll complete our statutory duties, manage our budgets, and ensure legal compliance. But we'll also create spaces where children laugh, where neighbours meet, where volunteers are celebrated, and where everyone feels they have a voice.
That's the role of the clerk as community connector. That's the work that makes me proud to come to the office every day. And that's the work I encourage every clerk reading this to embrace in whatever way fits your community.
Together, we can ensure that local councils aren't just administrative bodies. They're the beating heart of community life.
FAQ: Implementing Community Connection Initiatives
It's all about integration and team work. Our community events aren't separate from our core duties. They're an extension of them. The informal intelligence we gather at events informs our formal decision-making. We also have a fantastic team that shares the workload, and our councillors are actively involved. Remember, not everything needs to happen at once. Start with one initiative that requires minimal time investment and build from there.
Transparency is key. We're fortunate that our residents generally welcome these events because they can see the value. We keep costs low by being creative and efficient. Our £7,000 annual events budget serves nearly 4,000 households. We also demonstrate value for money in our communications and through visible results. When residents attend a free event with their family, meet their councillors, and feel connected to their community, they understand where their money is going.
Collaboration and smart planning. We work closely with councillors who volunteer time. They're at events, cooking barbecues, engaging with residents. We partner with existing organisations like our Singleton Environment Centre education team. We also keep events relatively simple in execution while rich in impact. A craft event might only require £50 in supplies but creates tremendous value. Finally, we plan throughout the year rather than cramming everything into a few months.
Focus on low-cost, high-impact initiatives. A front garden competition costs almost nothing but creates community pride. Litter-picking support requires minimal equipment investment. Walking trails can be created with signage and information rather than infrastructure. Even our most successful events are affordable because we're resourceful. The key is visibility and consistency, not spending large amounts of money.
We look at both quantitative and qualitative measures. Attendance numbers give us hard data, but we also pay attention to feedback, repeat attendance, and the quality of conversations we're having with residents. When people approach us at events with ideas, concerns, or just to say thank you, that's success. When residents tell us they're happy to see their precept invested in community activities, that's success. Not everything valuable can be captured in a spreadsheet.
We learn and move forward. The community fridge didn't work for our parish despite multiple attempts and adaptations. We paused it rather than continuing to pour resources into something that wasn't meeting our community's needs in the way we'd hoped. Failure is part of innovation. The important thing is being willing to try, to adapt when something isn't working, and to pivot to other initiatives that might be more successful. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from experimenting.
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Aniko Szocs is the Clerk at Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council in Kent. She is passionate about reimagining the role of parish clerks as active community connectors and advocates for using both traditional and innovative approaches to engage residents in local governance.
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