Information for prospective candidates

Exeter Green Party’s (EGP)

Information for Prospective Councillors

What is the role of a councillor?

Local councils are made up of councillors who are elected by the public in local elections. Councillors work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities. The decisions are implemented by permanent council staff, (council officers), who deliver services on a daily basis. The role of a councillor is to serve and represent everyone in the ward that they are elected to, to help make your area the best it can be.

Protocols and behaviour standards

The National Green Party has a code of conduct that all members and representatives must adhere to as well as EGP’s own Constitution.

Every council has their own constitution and code of conduct which all Councillors must adhere to: Exeter City Council (ECC) and Devon County Council (DCC).

In addition, the Seven Principles of Public Life outline the ethical standards that all those working in the public sector are expected to adhere to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life/the-7-principles-of-public-life--2

Who can be a councillor?

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population.

Some important skills for being a councillor include:

partnership and team working,
being flexible, adaptable and open-minded,
problem solving, questioning and analytical skills,
having good communication skills,
being organised and having good time management,
leadership qualities and political understanding.

You can read more about the role and skills for councillors on the Local Government Association (LGA) website Political Skills Framework, 21st Century Councillor, Accessing our resources for further support.

Eligibility criteria for being a councillor:

You do not need any formal educational qualifications to become a councillor.

There are however certain legal requirements you must meet to be able to stand for election. On the day of nomination you must be:

Aged 18 or over,
A UK, Republic of Ireland, European Community or Commonwealth citizen,
Be registered to vote in, or have either worked or lived in the area for one year.

You cannot stand if:

You work for the council you want to be a councillor for, you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a politically restricted post.
You are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order.
You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 months or more within 5 years prior to the election.
You have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices.
Are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

For more information you can check with the electoral commission, DCC or ECC.

Having read all of the above, if you would like to put yourself forward as a prospective candidate to become a Councillor, please send us an application form (click to download ) to hello@exeter.greenparty.org.uk