Awards & Achievements

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council is proud of its accomplishments and of its ongoing service to the residents of South Woodham Ferrers. We are honoured to have received a number of awards and accreditations that recognise our commitment to the community and the quality of the work we deliver.

NALC Awards

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.

We are proud to have made the Civilty and Respect Pledge because there is no place for bullying, harassment and intimidation within our sector. We can demonstrate our commitment to addressing poor behaviour and fostering positive changes that support civil and respectful conduct. Your council has agreed it will treat councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their roles.

High Sheriff Award

Following our 30th Anniversary rededication event and the unveiling of the ‘Letters to Heaven’ post box, South Woodham Ferrers Town Council is delighted and proud to have received the accreditation below in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.