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South Woodham Ferrers Town Council Achieves Prestigious NALC Gold Award

Published: 19 August 2026

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.

 Town Mayor, Councillor Bob Massey, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for South Woodham Ferrers Town Council and one that everyone involved with the Council can be extremely proud of. To progress from Foundation, to Silver and then to Gold in such a short period demonstrates the commitment of our councillors and staff to improving the way we operate and, ultimately, to delivering the best possible service for our community. Gold is recognition of the hard work that has gone into strengthening our governance, leadership and performance, but it is also a challenge to continue improving. I would like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this achievement and thank our residents for their continued support.”

 Town Clerk, Karen Atkins, said:

“I am delighted that South Woodham Ferrers Town Council has achieved the Gold Award. The Local Council Award Scheme provides a valuable framework for councils to examine their governance, policies, procedures and performance and to identify areas where they can improve. Moving from Foundation to Silver and then Gold has required a sustained commitment from councillors and staff. It is particularly rewarding to see that work recognised through the Gold accreditation."

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.

 South Woodham Ferrers Town Council’s progression:

  • Foundation Award — October 2024
  • Silver Award — January 2026
  • Gold Award confirmed — 7 August 2026 
  • Gold Award presentation — 20 October 2026