Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas? Or do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then your community needs you right now!
Up and down the country there are thousands of volunteer councillors working hard on behalf of residents in towns and villages.
In May, more than 2,000 local (parish and town) council elections will take place, along with elections for local authorities such as Cornwall Council.
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is looking for people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election this May, as part of its #MakeAChange campaign.
“Local councils are the first tier of local government and make a massive difference to local people’s quality of life,” says NALC.
“They run numerous services — many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include introducing solar panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth projects, managing allotments and open spaces, and maintaining footpaths, public seating and litter bins.”
Liskeard Town Council is encouraging local people who either live or work in the town to stand for election this year – and nominations need to be in by April 8.
Once elected, councillors usually stay in role for four years, and while it is not a paid position, the rewards can be huge.
It’s definitely possible to combine being a councillor with work and a family – and many councillors do!
Here’s an example of some of the things Liskeard Town Councillors say about the role:
Why did you want to become a town councillor?
I’m really proud of my town and, as a parent, felt very passionately about making sure it was a town where there were really good opportunities for future generations.
I wanted to work together with other people and organisations to make positive changes in the town. I wanted to make the Town Council more open and responsive.
What do you enjoy most about the role of a town councillor?
I came to the council with no technical knowledge at all. I really, really enjoy planning and have been very fortunate to hold the role of vice chair of the planning committee for the last two years. During my time as a councillor our neighbourhood plan has come into force and it has been wonderful to see it work really well when planning decisions have been made.
Making connections with and between other organisations so we can jointly use our different resources to achieve things. Being involved in events like the Man Engine, Liskeard Unlocked and Nadelik Lyskerrys/Cornish Christmas.
How do you balance your work as a town councillor with home and work commitments?
I am a single parent and have 2 young sons. The role does require me to attend evening meetings for the committees I am a member of, and for full council. The meetings are regular but not too often that it impacts home life, and they have been online for the last year.
You have to be able to organise your time, there are peaks and troughs, especially if you get really involved in a project, but you don’t have to get involved with everything; you balance out your time between, work, family and town.
What attributes do you think are important to the role of town councillor?
I think one of the strongest skills you need for this role is the ability to know that you won’t be able to please everyone. Patience can also sometimes be needed as you learn why some changes take longer than others.
You must be able to listen and consider and debate and not jump to a viewpoint. People who you may not normally find political affinity with, do have good ideas and if all work together, good results can arise.
Being a ‘doer’ and not just a decider.
Having a good sense of humour!
Good listening skills.
How did you manage dealing with topics where you had no previous experience or knowledge?
I had no council knowledge at all coming into the role. The council provides regular training sessions for lots of different subjects which I have attended.
The whole point of the council is that people have different skill sets and experience and themselves can advise other councillors. Information is also obtained through advisors to the council, and the Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk are professionals who understand how the process works and keep the council on track with their advice. You also quickly pick up knowledge needed on a variety of matters through hands on experience
To read more about becoming a councillor in Liskeard and find out how to submit a nomination – visit https://www.liskeard.gov.uk/become-a-councillor/
Visit www.nalc.gov.uk/elections to find out more generally about how you can become a councillor.