CPALC

Before the skills, some prerequisites!

• You are willing to put yourself forward as a councilor
• If opposed, the electorate chooses you.
• If elected, you are prepared to make time and the effort to be an effective Councilor

What will you do as a local representative?

• Engage with the local community and keep up-to-date with issues of local concern
• Provide a voice for all sections of the community
• Mediate between individuals and organisation
• Campaign on behalf of the Council or individuals
• Manage public funds and seek best value

Communications

• Seek out and listen to others’ views
• Listen actively, ask questions, check understanding
• Be objective and rigorous in analysing and evaluating complex information
• Present information clearly, concisely and accurately and avoid ‘jargon’
• Keep people informed through regular feedback
• Know who to speak to or write to
• Develop IT skills – e-government

Leadership

• Represent the Council and the community
• Have a clear vision and communicate this to others
• Be results oriented, lead by example
• Take responsibility
• Champion initiatives and implement change
• Foster a culture of trust, empowerment and participation
• Develop public speaking skills

Personal Effectiveness

• Demonstrate integrity, be reliable, consistent and open
• Remain calm and objective in difficult situations
• Be creative, developing new ideas and identifying alternative approaches
• Strive for improvement
• Manage available time well by prioritising
• Use interpersonal and negotiating skills

Knowledge

• Understand the law relating to Parish Council meetings
• Understand the Code of conduct
• Understand planning law and local policy
• Understand the roles of different tiers of local government
• Know your local County Councilor/District Councilor and key officers
• Know about local voluntary sector organisations external funding opportunities

How do Councillors develop useful skills and knowledge?

• Even new councilors probably have many of them
• Principal councils have induction programmes do/should parishes?
• Use the Council’s resources – your Clerk and serving Councillors
• Your Local Council’s Association – courses/articles
• Your County/District/Unitary councilor
• Look out for good practice anywhere – and copy it!

Training needs analysis and development plan

• Draw up your own list of skills/knowledge you might is important
• Identify the things you think you are good at – and carry on with them
• Identify any weaknesses decide which are most important and decide how to achieve improvements
• Not everyone can be best at everything – the council can be a team – working to individuals’ strengths
• Be realistic – but strive for continuous improvement

Download A Guide to Parish Councillor Skills