 |
|
Borough candidates' briefing
Election information
Things to start thinking about
Quick facts about committee membership
Current committee timetable
Laptop options
Social media guidance
Parish and Town Council key facts
Note to existing Councillors
|
Borough Candidates' Briefing
Just a reminder of the candidates' briefing this evening. If you can't make the session, a video recording will be available on our candidate hub.
|
|
 |
Election Information
Counting Agents
Each candidate can appoint one counting agent and one guest. Visit our candidate hub and complete the relevant forms.
Postal Vote Packs
Postal vote packs are hitting the doorsteps now. We issued approximately 13,000 in this first tranche and another issue will take place after 15 April deadline for postal vote applications.
Things to start thinking about: membership, dates and laptops
A few days after the election you will be asked to put yourself forward or vote for others to be members of committees, panels and working groups. This can feel like a short period of time so we have prepared an overview in advance to help you better understand what you are committing to and what you should consider for others. See quick facts below for more details.
There is no minimum number of committees which you should sit on and only you know what time commitment you can make.
The opportunity to formally take part will depend on the number of seats available to your political party and you may need to negotiate with your colleagues about which areas you are keen to get involved in.
Once you know what meetings you are attending you’ll need the dates in your diary and access to upcoming agendas – further information on both below.
 |
|
Quick facts about committee membership
This summary tells you: what each non-executive decision making committee is responsible for; the expected time commitment; any committee-specific training to help you be fully effective; the skills that you will use and develop, and any allowances that are associated with chairing each committee.
Further information on other bodies will follow.
|
Current Committee timetable
A timetable of meetings, based on the current structure, was approved at Council in November 2018 and click here for an updated version.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Laptop Options
Once you are elected information will be shared with you through emails, electronic calendar appointments and links to web pages. Agendas are shared electronically and you will be expected to bring your laptop to all meetings. There is a choice of laptops to help you carry out your role.
|
Social Media Guidance
Sharing
If you plan to share content from somewhere else including: text; photos; videos; animations - establish if it’s from a reliable source first. Check the biography of the page that originated the content. Is it an organisation you want to be publicly linked to?
When to post
Consider when it’s appropriate to post – posts at weekends and bank holidays are unlikely to get good engagement.
Also consider when it’s appropriate for you to post in terms of how you want to come across. Generally, it is advised not to use social media after drinking alcohol, taking certain medications that impair your judgement or if you are overly tired, stressed or frustrated. These factors can inhibit the tone of posts and comments and could do more harm than good.
Further guidance can be found here.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Parish and Town Council Key Facts
Each Parish and Town Council have created key facts to give you insight into the area they cover specifically the sites and services they are responsible for.
|
Note to Existing Councillors
If you are unsuccessful in being re-elected we will be in touch to support you through the transition and deal with the necessary practical things.
Please be aware that full access to the car park, building and ICT services will stop from 17 May 2019. We’d appreciate you considering taking part in an exit interview and will be in touch to offer this and other practical support as necessary.
|
|
 |
What's coming next
Member Induction Programme
Quick facts about Member Development
Code of Conduct Training
New Councillor Induction Workshops
Social Media Guidance
Copies of previous newsletters can be found on our website
|
