Gloucestershire Clerks & Councillors

We are a membership organisation that supports the county's Parish & Town Councils. We advise and train them to represent their communities to the best of their abilities. We specialise in Council law and procedures, and advise on a host of issues from burial grounds to warm spaces. Your membership to GAPTC entitles you to a seat at the national table through our membership of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

Chris Haine, CEO

Chris champions lifelong learning and has man 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.

Julie Shirley, Finance Officer

Julie brings 20 years'experience as a Parish Clerk and a strong background in finance administration. Alongside her role at GAPTC, Julie works as an internal auditor, ensuring her sector knowledge remains up to date. In her free time, she loves walking, with her three dogs.

Services we provide to our member councils ...

  • ADVISE  on Town and Parish Council law and procedures

  • TRAINING for Councillors and Clerks

  • MENTORING for CiLCA, the clerks' professional qualification

  • the latest  INFORMATION  and  GUIDANCE from government and other authorities

  • a comprehensive website with  job VACANCIES, MODEL DOCUMENTS and essential guides to good practice

  • SIGNPOSTING on specialist subjects including employment, grants and VAT

  • SUPPORT to councils experiencing difficult times by providing unbiased mediation

  • LOAN APPLICATION processing

  • INTERNAL AUDIT service

  • the opportunity for clerks and councillors to NETWORK at courses, webinars and the AGM

  • the opportunity at the AGM to have your council's MOTION DEBATED

  • three NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES per district to serve on the GAPTC Executive Committee, including a Clerks' representative

  • AFFILIATION  to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and access to its services e.g. Civility and Respect Project

  • PARTNERSHIP with other County Associations which provides an information exchange, best practices and influence at NALC

  • LOBBYING to MPs, district councils and central government on topics that concern councils

  • ENGAGEMENT with districts and the county on issues affecting your parishes and towns

  • LOCUM clerks