What do councillors do?
They represent people in the local community and are in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives. To be an effective councillor requires commitment.
What does it involve?
Responding to the needs and views of the community and looking for ways to find out what is important to them; suggesting ideas for better services or innovations; engaging in constructive debate about proposals and helping to make decisions; working in partnership with MSDC and WSCC as well as other parishes and service providers to help develop and improve the quality of life and environment in the parish.
Will I be able to make decisions?
Yes, all councillors are involved in making decisions about how the Council is run and how it should spend its money.
But I’m not political?
Bolney Parish Council is a non-political body; our councillors are not affiliated to any political party.
Will there be other duties?
Some councillors take part in the Planning Committee and all councillors can join other focus groups of particular interest to them. These currently include Roads and Transport; Volunteers; Footpaths; Communications; Finance, and Health and Wellbeing.
What skills do I need to be a councillor?
The council needs a wide range of skills and experience so you don’t need any special or formal qualifications to be a councillor. It will help to have good communication skills; problem solving skills; team working experience; organisational skills; the ability to engage with the local community, and basic technological skills for emails and virtual meetings.
How much time does it involve?
The Council has its monthly formal meeting at 8pm on the third Tuesday of each month in the Rawson Hall. We also usually hold informal meetings at the beginning of each month at a councillor’s home to discuss general matters and ideas that may need to go forward to the Council meeting. There will be email communications during the month and you may have projects or specific items that you are working on.
Do councillors get paid?
No, this is a voluntary role which most people find extremely rewarding.
What training will I be offered?
All new councillors attend an introductory training course at a convenient date and a guidance booklet is available to help with the basics. Assistance and support are always on hand from other councillors and the Clerk.
What is the Code of Conduct?
All councillors must maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics and must sign a document agreeing to abide by the code on becoming a councillor. You can view a copy of Bolney’s code at https://www.bolney.com/parish-council/internal-control-documents/
I’m interested in being elected in May 2023 what do I need to do?
In the first instance, please contact our Parish Clerk, Debbie Thomas. Tel: 01444 230711; Email: clerk@bolney.com. She will answer any additional questions you may have and provide you with a copy of the nomination pack for the election.
What is the deadline for making my decision?
MSDC will be publishing the Notices of Election on Monday 20th March 2023. Nominations open on Tuesday 21st March and close at 4pm on Tuesday 4th April 2023, which gives 11 working days for you to submit your nomination papers.
Further information is available on the MSDC website at: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/
