While the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) offers guidance and support to town and parish councils across Suffolk, it's important to note that there may be occasions where we are unable to provide advice on highly specialised topics - such as village hall management – which may require expert input.

Why Doesn't SALC Advise on Village Hall Management?

Village halls are typically run as independent charities with their own governing documents and management committees. While many parish councils provide financial support or have an interest in their local village hall, the management and legal responsibilities fall to the hall’s trustees. As a result, advice on governance, finance, and operations needs to come from specialist organisations.

Where to Seek Advice

If you require guidance on running a village hall, the following organisations offer dedicated support:

·         Community Action Suffolk (CAS) – Provides advice on governance, funding, legal responsibilities, and day-to-day management of community buildings.

·         The Charity Commission – Offers essential guidance for trustees managing charitable village halls.

How SALC Can Help

While SALC does not directly advise on village hall management, we can:

·         Clarify the role of parish councils in relation to village halls.

·         Signpost councils to the appropriate organisations for expert advice.

·         Facilitate networking opportunities for councils to share experiences and best practices.

Conclusion

Parish councils and village halls often work closely together, but their roles and responsibilities are distinct. For village hall committees needing management advice, organisations like Community Action Suffolk are the best sources of expert guidance.

For further clarification on how SALC supports parish councils, please get in touch.