Policies & Procedures

Councillor Recruitment Policy

1.   Introduction

1.1   Every 4 years an ordinary election for Parish Councillors takes place. Between elections when a seat becomes vacant usually due to a Councillor resignation, it is known as a ‘Casual Vacancy’. Initially an opportunity is presented for a by-election to take place, but if South Kesteven District Council do not receive a request for a by- election from ten electors of the Parish, the Parish Council will be given permission to co- opt a new Parish Councillor.

1.2   The Parish Council is not obliged to co-opt to fill any vacancy. Even if the Parish Council invites applications for co-option, it is not obliged to select anyone from the candidates who apply.


2.   Criteria for Parish Councillors

2.1   In order to become a Parish Councillor, a candidate must be over the age of 18, live or have a principal place of work (paid or unpaid) in the parish or within three miles of the parish for at least twelve months, be registered as an elector, be a qualifying citizen of the Commonwealth, the European Community or the Republic of Ireland.


3.   The Role of a Parish Councillor

3.1   Undertaking the role of a Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe Parish Councillor to represent the views and requirements of parishioners and attend Parish Council meetings is an important and hands-on commitment The Parish Council has only 8 seats available and therefore it is vital that those seats are held by people who can commit the necessary time and are willing and able to contribute to the Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe village parish.

3.2   This policy outlines the process employed to ensure the recruitment process is sufficiently robust to achieve these aims.


4.   Process

4.1   Applying to become a Parish Councillor:

4.1.1   View the contents of Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe Parish Council website, paying particular attention toCouncil policies and procedures.

4.1.2   Complete the application form (see appendix one) and forward to the Parish Clerk.

4.1.3   If after reviewing the application form the Parish Council would like to take the application further, the candidate will receive an invitation to undergo an exploratory meeting with at least 2 Councillors. This will enable the Councillors to gain a more detailed insight into the contribution and merits of a candidate and equally enable a candidate to fully understand the responsibilities of serving on the Parish Council.

4.1.4   If, after the exploratory meeting, a candidate still wishes to be considered then the Councillors will report to the next Parish council meeting and members will consider the applications. Candidates m  attend requesting they speak in support of their application. Candidates may be invited to attend requesting they speak in support of their application.

4.1.5   If candidates are invited to the meeting they may be asked further questions following their verbal application. Candidates may leave or remain as they wish whilst a paper ballot of Councillors takes place. (Procedures may be amended as required to accommodate Zoom meetings).

4.1.6   Candidates who remain will be given the result of the ballot once counted by the Clerk and, candidates who do not remain will be contacted by the Chairman within 48 hours, to inform them of the results of vote


5.   Successful Candidates

5.1   Successful candidates will be required to complete a ‘Declaration of Acceptance of Office’ and a ‘Declaration of Pecuniary interests’, and will receive further information to support their serving as a new Parish Councillor

 

This Policy was approved and adopted by Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe Parish Council in March 2021. Next Review March 2022.

 

 

APPLICATION FORM FOR THE ROLE OF PARISH COUNCILLOR ON CARLTON SCROOP AND NORMANTON CLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL

Full name

 

Home address Inc. Postcode

 

Telephone number

 

Mobile number

 

Email

 

 

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A PARISH COUNCILLOR
(To qualify you must be able to answer ‘Yes’ to both of the questions below)
 

Are you a British citizen, a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a European Union country?

Yes / No

Are you 18 or over?

Yes / No

 

(To qualify you must be able to answer ‘Yes’ to at least one of the questions below)

Are you on the electoral register of Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe?

Yes / No

Have you lived either in Carlton Scroop and Normanton Cliffe, or within three miles of its boundary, for at least a year?

Yes / No

Have you been the owner or tenant of land in Carlton Scroop and Normanton Cliffe for at least a year?

Yes / No

Have you had your only or main place of work in Carlton Scroop and Normanton Cliffe for at least a year?

Yes / No

 

DISQUALIFICATIONS
(You must be able to answer No to all of the questions below to be eligible to serve as a councillor)

Are you the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order?

Yes / No

Have you within the last five years been convicted of an offence in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man which resulted in a sentence of imprisonment (whether

suspended or not) for a period of three months or more without the option of a fine?

Yes / No

Are you disqualified by order of a court from being a member of a local authority?

Yes / No

 

Please outline why you are interested in being a Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe Parish councillor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please state what you can bring to the Carlton Scroop and Normanton on Cliffe Parish Council. (Note this supporting information should be expansive and you should cover any attribute, skill or experience that you feel will enhance the strength of the Parish Council)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**  Carry onto separate sheets if necessary

 

 

Signed……………………………………………                                                                 Date: …………………………..