The role of any County Councillor has a number of different responsibilities: those of a leader, of a representative, and of a learner – and as a lynchpin of their local area.

As a leader

• To lead and represent the interests of the local community, its environment and its constituents;
• To engage with locally interested parties and involve and consult them on key council decisions;
• To promote and support citizenship locally and empower the community to participate in the governance of the area;
• To undertake case work for constituents and act as an advocate in resolving concerns or grievances;
• To communicate with local people and answer enquiries:
  • about decisions that affect them
  • about opportunities in the community
  •  regarding the rights of constituents
  •  as to why decisions are taken

In their locality

• To participate constructively in the good governance of the area;
• To use influence to develop links between groups, communities and the locality;
• To forge local partnerships to ensure resources are used to meet the needs of the area;
• To act as an informal local scrutineer – maintaining a single ‘overview’ role

As a representative

• To fulfil the legal and local requirements placed on a councillor in accordance with the Code of Conduct;
• To inform debate at full council meetings and contribute to the effectiveness of the council meeting as the focus of visible leadership;
• To participate in the setting of strategic policies;
• To contribute to the formation and scrutiny of the council’s policies, budget, strategies and service delivery;
• To ensure good governance and accountability compliance;
• To contribute toward scrutiny of decision-making and monitoring of services;
• To represent the council to the community and the community to the council;
• To develop and maintain knowledge of how the council works and develop working relationships with its officers;
• To represent the council on outside bodies as and where appropriate.

As a learner

• To be responsible for personal development and undergo appropriate development and continuous improvement for any role undertaken