Councillor Co-option
There is a vacancy on Bradwell Parish Council. Could you get involved?
What does the Parish Council do?
The Parish Council includes Heelands, Bradwell Abbey and Bradwell Common and provides facilities in Heelands, the Heelands Meeting Place, and sports pitches in Bradwell and Heelands. The Parish Council manages three allotment sites across the Parish, all for the benefit of local residents. The Parish Council helps residents to have a voice about local issues like planning applications and development.
Could you get involved as a community leader? you could help by representing people, finding out what the community needs, decision-making and monitoring services in the public interest. It is a voluntary role that may take up 2-3 hours per week. The main commitment is to take part in monthly meetings, usually held on the first Monday evening of the month.
What is the role of a Parish Councillor?
The main role of a Parish Councillor is to represent the views of all residents within the parish and to listen to, and understand, the views and needs of different groups in the community. There is a responsibility to be well informed, especially about diverse local views. Councillors cannot assume that they represent the interests of electors without consulting them.
Parish Councillors are elected representatives (they are neither volunteers nor employees) and serve for a 4-year term unless co-opted or elected in a by-election when they serve until the next election. They must apply the law and comply with the Code of Conduct and other adopted policies of the council. Councillors are required to act in an ethical way and to declare an interest when necessary.
Councillors contribute to the work of the council by suggesting ideas, influencing policy and strategy, engaging in constructive debate and by responding to the needs and views of the community. Councillors comment on proposals to ensure the best outcome and vote to enable the council to make decisions.
Individual Parish Councillors cannot make decisions on behalf of the council, but they can actively lead and engage with local projects.
The Parish Council needs a wide range of skills and experience to work as a team. Councillors from different backgrounds better represent the whole community and possess different enthusiasms, skills, attitudes and interests.
Want to Find out More? Contact the Parish Clerk for an informal chat:
clerk@bradwell-pc.gov.uk
Phone: 01908 321 285
Mobile: 07399 532 393
Co-option process and application form