If you become a Councillor you will join over 80,000 people who all volunteer their time to serve and influence their local community

What do you need?

You need to be over 18 and live or work in the parish and you also need to be a qualifying UK citizen to become a councillor. You need to abide by the Council’s code of Conduct which includes the Nolan 7 principles of public life below. 

However the most important thing is a wish to do something for your local community. A Council needs a range of skills to work as a team, for example some people are good with ideas, others bring practical skills or knowledge and others are good at accounts or influencing others. Councillors often have different skills, backgrounds and interests and all can bring something to the work of the Council.

Elections/Co-options and Volunteering Elections are held every 4 years but in practice most people volunteer or are co-opted. Co-option is when the council chooses someone to fill a vacancy if insufficient candidates are proposed for seats at an election.

What are a Councillor’s responsibilities? You are expected to attend parish council meetings in May, July, September, November, January and March and an Annual Parish meeting also in May. Meetings are at 7.30pm in the Kennet Valley Hall in Lockeridge and generally last up to an hour and a half. You may also be asked to take on a special responsibility or interest on behalf of the Council.

Councillors Conduct and Interests

Becoming a councillor and representing your community is a public role and the 7 Nolan principles apply. We have a Code of Conduct that includes these and you will be expected to abide by these and also declare any interests you have before each meeting. This could include ownership of land or property that might be affected. The Nolan principles of public life:

Selflessness – you should act in the public interest. Integrity – not being under any obligations to others. Objectivity – acting impartially, fairly and on merit. Accountability –being accountable for decisions and actions taken and being under scrutiny. Openness – acting and taking decisions in an open transparent manner.  Honesty and Leadership – demonstrate these with their own behaviour and be willing to challenge poor behaviour.

If you would like an informal chat please contact our clerk with your phone number and we will get in touch with you.