How do I become a Councillor?

Who can become a councillor?

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences that reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election.
 
To stand for election, on the day of nomination, you must be:

• 18 or over,
• British or citizen of the Commonwealth, you may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however, the criteria has changed now that the UK has left the European Union. Please check on EU citizens voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
• registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

You cannot stand if you:

• work for Coventry City Council;
• you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a political restricted post.;
• are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
• have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election;
• 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.

Do I have to belong to a political party or group?
 

You can either stand as an independent candidate or by joining a group or political party. If you are thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular political party then you will need to be a member of that party’s local organisation. There is a link at the end of this brochure to the register of political parties.
 

Do I need any skills, experience or special qualifications?

You don’t need any experience, educational or special qualifications. Your experience and knowledge gained through being an active member of local groups and organisations, raising a family or being a carer for a family member can equip you with valuable life skills which will be beneficial in your role as a councillor.

It is important that the councillors are able to represent the diverse communities that they serve and so a broad range of skills and experiences will be beneficial.

You will receive training and become more experienced and confident once elected. There can be a steep learning curve, but it is worth it for what you can achieve for your community. 

There are a number of useful skills which help councillors carry out their role.

Some useful skills for being a councillor include: 

• being a leader in your community
• knowledge of the area
• confidence
• integrity
• having 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
• having political understanding.
• resilience
• empathy

You can read more about the role and skills for councillors in the Political Skills Framework and the 21st Century Councillor as well as the Improving Access to Elected Office guidebook for disabled people for further support. 

Can I have a job and be a councillor?

By law, if you are working, your employer must allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours to perform your duties as a councillor. The amount of time given will depend on your responsibilities and the effect of your absence on your employer's business. Council meetings are held during the working day and you will need to attend several meetings in person.  Employers can choose to pay you for this time, but they don’t have to.  

We would encourage you to discuss as soon as possible with your employer before making the commitment to stand for election. 

Many employers are supportive and understand the importance, value and mutual benefits of their employees contributing to the community in this way.   

There are many benefits to both employee and employer – practical work experience, skills and knowledge which can be transferred into any workplace, and the role can be career-enhancing.   

Being a councillor provides:  

• Practical work experience: council work is incredibly varied (as the council runs over 700 services) and links to all aspects of our life and therefore all types of employment.  
• New skills: such as leadership skills, communication skills, reading reports, influencing skills and speaking at meetings or events. 
• Knowledge: about the local community, how councils, government and the wider public sector works; as well as topics from culture and biodiversity, mental and physical health, to finance and budgets. 
• Confidence: gained through new experiences, challenges and achievements for the local area.