What is expected of a councillor?

The councillor's role and responsibilities include:

• representing the ward they are elected in
• decision-making
• developing and reviewing council policy on a range of issues
• scrutinising the decisions taken by the councillors on the executive
• regulatory duties
• community leadership and engagement.

Councils now deliver a lot of what they do in partnership with other services and agencies. So you may have opportunities to sit on partnership boards or committees for health, education, regeneration and community partners, etc. But remember that this will often involve additional meetings and background preparation.

Most councillors hold up to three drop-in surgeries each month. Surgeries are a chance for residents to meet you and discuss their problems or concerns face to face. You may also need to spend time visiting constituents in their homes. On top of this you will also deal with letters, emails and phone calls from constituents.

When dealing with casework or council business you may need to meet with council staff. These meetings, and any visits to council offices, will often need to be during the working day.

And if you are a member of a political party you will be expected to attend political group meetings, party training and events.

Then there are council and scrutiny meetings.

Scrutiny is the crucial process of looking at the work and decisions of the executive. As well as the close examination of councillors, it can also involve the community and interested parties. Handled well, scrutiny procedures can stimulate real local involvement in how the council manages and delivers its business.

Councillors may also sit on quasi-judicial committees, for example a planning committee, which takes non-political decisions on planning applications.

The number and length of these meetings varies from council to council. Check you local council's website for more information.

And if you are a member of a political party you will be expected to attend political group meetings. You will also normally be expected to attend political group meetings before council meetings, as well as party training and events.