Becoming a Councillor

If you are passionate about your local community, we need you. Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election or co-option.

All 7-seats on Fairfields Community Council (FCC) are up for election EVERY 4 Years, giving you the perfect opportunity to get involved by standing as a representative of your community. FCC seats are not there for political representation, we are an A-political community council.

Our council has a maximum of 7 seats.
Vacancies = 1

Volunteer Vacancies Scaled

FAQ's

Why become a councillor?

Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. You can make a real difference to the local community and wider society in many ways as a councillor. For example, you could be representing the views of local people in helping to shape the community by driving new ideas.

Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence. Councillors are paid an allowance and can work flexibly.

What power and duties do Community Councils have?

Community councils have a variety of powers and duties, all of which impact directly on the community.

These operate at a level below district and borough councils and in some cases, unitary authorities.

They’re elected and can help on a number of local issues, like providing:

allotments
public clocks
bus shelters
community centres
play areas and play equipment
grants to help local organisations
consultation on neighbourhood planning

They also have the power to issue fixed penalty fines for things like:

litter
graffiti
fly posting
dog offences

Who can be a councillor?

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population.

To be a councillor you need to be: 

British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however the criteria has changed now that the UK has left the European Union. Please check on the uk website for advice about EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
At least 18 years old.
Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

You can’t be a councillor if you: 

Work for the council you want to be a councillor for, you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a political restricted post.
Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order.
Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day.
Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.
Are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

What is the time commitment?

Being a councillor requires commitment and hard work, but the role can be done flexibly around employment, studying, caring, and other voluntary commitments. Whilst the commitment can be challenging at times, the role is highly fulfilling, and it is worth it for what you can achieve for your community.

Each councillor will decide their own level of commitment to the role and some of the issues to consider before committing are:

how being a councillor will impact on family and personal relationships, you will need their support as some of your free time will be occupied with council matter’s.
the people you represent will look to you for help and assistance.
there are twelve monthly Community Council meetings a year which you are expected to attend the majority of, meetings start at 18h30 and generally last for up to two hours.
some councillors may also represent the Community Council on local outside bodies so there will be other meetings to attend.
if you are elected as a Chair of community council, more work and time may follow.

What support will I get?

The Clerk to FCC, who is a qualified professional will ensure that all councillors are given an Induction Pack and fully onboarded.

Both internal and external training is offered, where necessary, throughout the time as a councillor, to help with knowledge of council services and to develop personal skills and confidence.

Will I get paid?

Councillors are not paid a salary, but they are entitled to receive financial compensation called an ‘allowance’ and expenses. This ensures they are not left out of pocket by covering costs such as travel to and from meetings and recognises the time devoted to council business on behalf of local people.