Information For Prospective County Councillors

Are you thinking of standing as a County Councillor in the Local Government elections in Pembrokeshire in May? ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

If so, there are key requirements you need to be aware of, says the Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Ian Westley. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Newly elected County Councillors are often surprised by the wide range of work they are required to undertake,” said Mr Westley. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“The following information will help to inform prospective candidates of the commitment they will be expected to make if they are successfully elected.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

• Councillors must abide by the Code of Conduct for Members, which governs conduct required of a Councillor (please see below for details of how to view the Code).
• When taking office as either a newly elected member or a returning member, Councillors will be required to undertake a 12 month programme of training and development. The first six months comprises of an intensive period of essential training. An individualised programme of training and development will also be provided throughout the term of office ensuring Councillors are fully supported to develop new skills and knowledge appropriate to their role.
• Immediately following the election it will be necessary for all elected councillors to attend County Hall in Haverfordwest on 8th or 9th May 2017 for formal acceptance of office.This is a statutory requirement that all Councillors must do in order to undertake the duties of a Councillor.
• Pembrokeshire County Council encourages and supports digital working, and all meetings of the Council are carried out without reliance on paper. Members are supported to download an application which provides access to agendas and related material. Full ICT training and support will be available to all Councillors to support the Council’s commitment to digitisation.