Becoming a Parish Councillor

Why become a Parish Councillor?

Parish Councillors are elected representatives who volunteer their time freely to work on behalf of local residents. By becoming a parish councillor you can become a voice for your community, somebody who residents will look to for help, guidance and support. You will be involved in local decision making and strategic planning for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of pride.

What skills will I need to be a Parish Councillor?

A Council Committee benefits from diversity and we welcome interest from people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Good communication skills, being a good listener, problem solving, analytical thinking and being a team player are all advantageous attributes.

Eligibility

A Parish Councillor must be over 21, an elector in the parish and qualifies by any of the following:

• residing in the parish during the whole 12 months before either the day of nomination
  or the day of the election;
• residing within 3 miles of the parish;
• occupying as owner or tenant any land or premises there;
• having a principal or only place of work there.

It is the duty of a Parish Councillor to attend every full Parish Council Meeting (held monthly on the 3rd Monday of each month) or have a valid reason for not doing so. Parish Council
Meetings are held in the Function Room at the Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane, Fishbourne at 7pm.

If you want to find out more …

If you want to find out if being a Parish Councillor is right for you, just come along to one of our meetings, meet the team and see us in action. Alternatively feel free to contact any of the Parish Councillors and have a chat with us. To register an interest in joining the council, please contact our clerk Lucy Wright –