Interested in becoming a Parish Councillor?
Click here for general information about Parish and Town Councils and specific advice and information regarding how to become a Councillor.
Want to know more?
- Further Information
Click on the above link to access further publications which may also be of interest:
'All About Local Councils'
'It Takes All Sorts – Local Councils: Represent Your Community, Make a Difference’
The Good Councillor's Guide (PDF, 2.3 Mb)
Click on the above link for an introduction to being a Councillor, and details of what is expected of Councillors.
Do you have the time?
Parish Councils vary in size, and the demands made on Council members can differ significantly from one Council to another. Having said that, the following may give you some idea of the activities to which members of Keyworth Parish Council devote time and effort:
- Meetings - As will be seen from the Council Calendar, there are some thirty Council or standing committee meetings per year - usually on Monday evenings; some Council members attend nearly all of these meetings, although this varies according to membership of committees; the meetings are open to the public, and the best way to find out what happens is to come along and take a look, although the minutes will also give you some idea. Most Council members also belong to at least one advisory committee or represent the Council on outside bodies or local organisations, all of which involves further meetings.
- Briefing Notes - Detailed briefing notes are usually made available prior to Council or standing committee meetings, and Council members need to set aside time prior to meetings to study the notes and ensure that they are fully conversant with the issues on the agenda. It's also important to read the minutes of meetings and to stay abreast of the Council's policies and procedures.
- Communications - You don't have to have Internet access to be a member of the Council, but it helps, and, if you do, you are likley to receive lots of emails from other Councillors, Council staff and, of course, members of the public who may want to draw issues to your attention or ask your advice.
- Other Activities - Participation in other activities varies from one Council member to another, but these are some of the activities which members get involved in: organising events; attending functions and seminars; keeping an eye on premises and facilities; studying planning applications and viewing the relevant sites; liaising with Borough & County Councillors, service providers and other bodies and organisations; contributing to newsletters...and indeed this website.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but we hope it provides some insight into what being a Parish Councillor involves; if you would like any further information, please contact the Council office or have a word with a Parish Councillor.