Vacancy For a Parish Councillor

• Do you want to help make the parish of Kingsclere a better place to live?
• Are you interested in making a difference to your community?
• Do you want to represent the views of residents?

Kingsclere Parish Council currently has two vacancies for Parish Councillors.

By becoming a Parish Councillor, you become someone in the community who residents can look to for help, guidance, and support. In essence you become a community leader with the power to influence and contribute ideas for the benefit of people you serve.

If you would like to make difference and be involved in shaping the future of your local community, why not put yourself forward and apply to become a Parish Councillor.

Search on the Website www.kingsclere-pc.gov.uk

Under Documents and Policies – Cllr Co Option Policy to find out more about the process.

Becoming a Parish Councillor – Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Parish Council do?

Parish Councils make all kinds of decisions on issues which affect the local community. Some of the common topics which the parish council are involved in are planning matters, speeding, roads and highways, local facilities such as recreation areas and allotments. We are also the local Burial Authority.

Parish Councils have limited powers to make decisions, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and as such, some influence with other organisations who make the final decisions (such as county councils, health authorities, police etc.) In this respect Parish Councils are extremely powerful as the organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something and its views are taken seriously.

What does a Parish Councillor do and how much time does it take?

Parish Councillors have a dual role:

• You represent the views and concerns of the residents of the parish to the parish council itself and, through it, to the local authority. You report back to residents on issues affecting the parish.
• The Parish Council usually meets monthly (10 per year) for the Full Council meeting to which members of the public are also invited to observe. Meetings may last on average two hours; they vary depending on the agenda.

For more information on the council and roles then please visit our website. In addition to regular meetings Councillors potentially are required to give time for ‘ad hoc ’meetings (e.g. meeting contractors or community groups) and to work on projects or working groups. Also, there are three committees who meet throughout the year. The workload varies, but an average weekly estimate of 1-2 hours would be reasonable. In return there is the immense satisfaction of putting something back into your community.

How long do Parish Councillor serve for?

Once elected (or co-opted), parish councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they want to stay in the post, they can stand for re-election. This does not mean that you must stay for four years. If you find it is not for you, or you can no longer meet the commitment, you can stand down

What support and training are available to councillors?

Councillors have substantial support in performing their duties. Firstly, there is support from fellow councillors and the Parish Clerk who can offer wide range of advice and guidance. Secondly, there is the chance to attend Councillor Training opportunities through the Borough Council and the Hampshire Association of Local Councils. (HALC)