The role of a councillor
Councillors play an important role. You will decide what is in the public interest amidst a range of conflicting issues and views. The main parts of a Councillor’s role are:
- Decision making – you’ll attend council meetings and committees, deciding which activities to support, where council funds should be spent, what services should be delivered and which policies should be put in place
- Monitoring – you’ll track how effective and efficient services are running and will raise any issues with officers and other Councillors.
- Getting involved locally - As local representatives, you will get involved in your local community, supporting events and initiatives that will benefit your constituents
Responsibilities include:
- Raising issues on behalf of members of the public
- Running surgeries - giving residents the chance to raise issues in private, and in confidence
- Meeting with individual residents in their own homes
- Going to meetings held by local organisations
- Attending meetings of outside bodies affecting the wider community
Conducting yourself as a councillor
As Councillors, you are leaders of our communities and are therefore expected to show: selflessness, honesty, integrity, leadership, accountability, openness, stewardship and respect for others.
These principles will help you in your wide-ranging and demanding roles.