Council Wise is pleased to highlight other local organisations that provide support for our sector, and wishes to let you know about the Essex branch of Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).
SLCC is an independent national organisation supporting the role of Clerks across the Country. The Local Branch is pleased to play an important role in supporting Clerks in Essex.
The Essex Branch of SLCC creates opportunities to share knowledge, build professional relationships, and strengthen confidence in the role. Throughout the year, a range of activities are delivered to support collaboration and development, including:
- Informal online networking sessions, providing a space to discuss challenges and exchange practical solutions
- An annual training day, combining structured learning with valuable peer engagement
- Social events which enable you to network with other Clerks
- A mentoring scheme for new Clerks, supported by experienced Clerks in the sector offering tailored one-to-one guidance. This scheme is open to all Clerks regardless of whether they are members of SLCC, provided they have been in their role for a period of no more than one year
Branch Structure
The branch is managed by an Executive committee comprising the following members:
| Position | Current role holder |
| Chairman | Suzanne Walker |
| Vice Chair | Vacant |
| Secretary | Abi Wood |
| Treasurer | Angela Baxter |
| Press Officer | Sophie Blair Wolker |
| Training co-ordinators | Maria Dyer & Lorraine Bailey |
| District representatives | |
| Basildon | Georgina Basset |
| Braintree | Sarah Gaeta |
| Brentwood | Vacant |
| Castle Point | Elaine De Can |
| Chelmsford | Michelle Harper |
| Colchester | Vacant |
| Epping Forest | Liz Petyt-Start |
| Maldon | Maria Dyer |
| Rochford | Karen Hawkes |
| Southend | Clare Milligan |
| Tendring | Angela Baxter |
| Uttlesford | Kate Rixson |
| National Forum Representative | Nikki Smith |
If you have an issue that you would like the branch to consider, even if is local to your District, please either contact your District representative of the branch Chairman Suzanne Walker.
Upcoming Events
Networking hour 15th September 2026, 10am to 11am – Teams
The Networking Hour is an informal safe space for Clerks where you will receive a brief update on important sector specific issues and have a chance to raise any issues or questions in an informal safe space. For this event David Solis, the CEO of the East of England branch of the mental health charity MIND will be logging in to talk about supporting Women in the workplace and our general mental health support. All members will have received a Teams link by now. If you have not please contact Suzanne Walker at clerk@chelmsfordgarden-cc.gov.uk.
SLCC Membership
Membership to the SLCC provides access to a comprehensive range of national support services. These include an expert advice line, a confidential counselling service, an extensive library of guidance and precedent documents, and a bi-monthly magazine, The Clerk. Members can also benefit from a wide programme of professional development opportunities, including webinars, regional seminars, online summits, and the annual conference, as well as access to sector-specific publications. Together, these services ensure Clerks remain informed, well-supported, and equipped to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Further details can be found in the membership flyer. Once joined, members automatically become part of the Essex Branch.
For more information or to get in touch, email Suzanne Walker at clerk@chelmsfordgarden-cc.gov.uk.