Role of a Parish Councillor

Being a councillor is all about giving back to Mendlesham and Mendlesham Green.  By bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude you can help make a real difference to the our community as a councillor. For example, you could represent the views regarding a particular service, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape Mendlesham and Mendlesham Green into the future by driving new ideas. Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role requiring both commitment and hard work to balance the needs and interests of residents and the council.

Councillors need to be:

• A British or a citizen of the Commonwealth.
• 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 don't need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence.  Training is available and support will be found from colleagues, the Clerk to the Council, as well as from the Suffolk Association of Local Councils, a body affiliated to the National Association of Local Councils.  Good Councillors have the following skills:

• Have good communication skills
• partnership and team working
• problem solving, questioning and analytical skills
• being flexible, adaptable and open-minded
• being organised and having good time management

To read about Councillors from all works of life please see this link: It Takes All Sorts

If you want the opportunity to be a catalyst for change, to give a voice to your community and to architect the future of Mendlesham then consider becoming a Parish Councillor.

For a copy of the Council's Co-Option Policy which will be used to co-opt a councillor mid-term, or to register your interest in being considered a Councillor please speak to any current Councillor or contact the Parish Clerk.