Peter Davey, Chair of the EALC presented the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor with the Foundation Award certificate at the Council meeting on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.

At the Council meeting held on 20th January 2026 the Town Council was honoured and delighted to be awarded the National Association of Local Council Silver Award presented by the Chair of EALC representing NALC in Essex.

There are only 43 councils out of 10,000 in England that hold this accreditation.

This is an excellent achievement showing that south Woodham Ferrers Town Council has achieved good practices in governance, community engagement and council improvement.

Furthermore this award shows the Town Council has gone above and beyond the legal obligations, leads the community and continuously seeks opportunities to improve and develop further.

We aim to continue to represent our residents in the same committed way going forward.

Gold is the highest level of the NALC Local Council Award Scheme and recognises councils that demonstrate a high standard of governance, leadership, community engagement, financial management, performance and continuous improvement.

The achievement is particularly significant because of the Council’s rapid progression through the scheme.

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council achieved the Foundation Award in October 2024, followed by the Silver Award in January 2026, before progressing to Gold in August 2026.

In less than two years, the Council has therefore progressed from Foundation to the highest level of the scheme.

The Gold assessment requires councils to demonstrate that they are operating to a high standard across the organisation and are committed to continuous improvement and best practice.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Council Award Scheme provides a structured framework for parish and town councils to demonstrate good practice and continuous improvement.

The scheme has three award levels: Foundation, Quality/Quality Gold and Silver/Gold under the revised framework. Gold represents the highest level of achievement.

 Some lovely comments have been recieved;

"I know your average local won't appreciate it but that's quite an achievement. If anyone thinks this can be achieved without an outstanding Clerk they are very much mistaken. Often the unsung hero of any Council, Councillors should undoubtedly be letting their constituents know how hard their Clerks work and what they achieve, month in, month out."

 "Very well done. Having got two of my councils through Bronze, I know what a fantastic achievement this is. And for residents who don’t understand or appreciate the significance, it means that you should have confidence in your council."

"On behalf of the men at SWF Men’s Shed we would like to thank Karen Atkins for helping us secure a new site for the shed at Marsh Farm. Anyone around here that could help assemble the building will be very much appreciated too! Please message us " 

"So well deserved … such a welcoming council … nothing is ever too much trouble … well done "

"Amazing news! Congratulations Karen and her team "

"Well deserved to all that put their time and effort into it"

"Well done"