What does a councillor actually do?
Ever wondered who helps shape the place you live? That’s where councillors come in.
As a councillor, you’re the voice of your local community—making real decisions that impact everyday life. You’ll:
- Represent your local area and stand up for the people in it
- Help make decisions on issues that affect your neighbourhood
- Shape and review local policies that guide the future of your community
- Attend meetings and stay informed on what’s happening locally
- Work closely with residents, listening to concerns and driving change
It’s a hands-on role where you can genuinely make a difference.
Do I need special skills or experience?
Not at all.
Councils work best when they reflect the real world—people from different backgrounds, careers, and life experiences. You don’t need a degree or a specific job title.
In fact, everyday life experience matters just as much—whether that’s raising a family, supporting others, volunteering, or being active in your community.
That said, a few skills can help you thrive:
- Clear communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Staying organised
- A genuine interest in helping your community
If you care about where you live, you’re already off to a great start.
Who can become a councillor?
Most people can.
You’re eligible if you:
- Are 18 or over
- Are a British citizen or part of the Commonwealth
- Live, work, own property, or are registered to vote in the area
You won’t be eligible if you:
- Work for the council (or hold a politically restricted role in local government)
- Are under certain bankruptcy restrictions
- Have had a prison sentence of 3+ months in the last 5 years
- Have been found guilty of electoral malpractice
Not sure if you qualify? It’s always worth checking with your local electoral services team.
Is it political?
No party politics here.
Parish Councils operate independently—they focus purely on local issues and improving the community, not national party agendas.
Are there elections?
Yes—usually every four years.
If a councillor steps down mid-term, there may be a by-election, or the council may appoint someone to fill the role.
How much time does it take?
It’s designed to fit around your life and career.
Meetings: around 2 hours each
Prep time: about 1 hour per meeting but does depend on the committee and how many items are on the agenda
Emails, events, or site visits: roughly 1–2 hours per week
It’s a meaningful role without being overwhelming.
Our committees
Councillors are expected to attend Full Council meetings and can choose which additional committees they would like to be involved in based on their interests and availability.
Leisure, Amenities & Burials
This committee looks after many of the spaces and facilities that people in the parish use every day. Its responsibilities include:
- Managing seven recreation grounds and the Skate Park
- Maintaining seating and bus shelters
- Overseeing key green spaces such as Jubilee Park, The Coppice, and The Ghyll on the Green Lane Estate
- Managing the public areas of Heathfield Community Centre
- Providing and maintaining burial grounds at Theobalds Green and St Bartholomew’s
- Looking after allotments at Theobalds Green and Punnetts Town
- Managing football pitches at Tower Rec, Sheepsetting Lane, and Punnetts Town
Finance & General Purposes
This committee ensures the council runs smoothly and responsibly. It:
- Prepares the annual budget for approval by Full Council
- Oversees financial procedures and monitors spending
- Ensures strong financial control and accountability
- Supports the effective and efficient day-to-day running of council business
- Manages the office building
Community & Business Development
Focused on the future of the parish, this group works to:
- Develop ideas and projects to improve the local area
- Organise community events and initiatives
- Support local businesses and community growth
- Promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact
Planning & Highways
This committee helps shape how the parish develops. It:
- Reviews and comments on planning applications and local plans and consultations
- Represents the community’s views in the planning process
- Looks at highways and transport-related issues
- Works to ensure safe and effective street lighting across the parish
Full Council
All 21 councillors come together at Full Council meetings, held every other month.
While individual committees handle specific areas, Full Council has overall responsibility for major decisions, policies, and direction. All committees report back here, ensuring everything works together for the benefit of the community.
Interested?
If you’re curious or want to learn more, contact the council clerk—they’ll be happy to guide you through the next steps.
Email: clerk@hw-pc.gov.uk or call 01435 865 700
