October 2024
Could you be a Devon county councillor?
It is a fantastic way to give back to your community and you don’t need any specific experience - just energy, passion and a commitment to making a difference.
Our aim is to have a diverse and representative council, which means having councillors from all backgrounds and experiences, who reflect the communities they serve.
That’s why we’re encouraging more people to consider standing in the next Devon County Council elections, which will take place in May 2025.
If you’re interested in making a positive impact and giving local people a voice, read on!
We know that deciding to become a councillor can be a big decision, and those of you who are considering it may have lots of questions along the way! We've put together this special edition of our newsletter to help you learn more below about the role and the benefits it offers to you and your community.
We're also running two free information sessions for anyone who is considering standing in the Devon County Council elections in May 2025. Please note, you can attend either online or in person.
- Tuesday 10 December at 5pm in the Daw Room at County Hall, Exeter
- Thursday 16 January at 9am in the Clinton Room at County Hall, Exeter
The sessions will be a great opportunity to hear more about the life as a Devon county councillor and gain an insight into the role and what to expect. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you might have. Register your interest using the button below. We look forward to seeing you there!
 What is a councillor?
A councillor is elected by local voters (constituents) in elections to represent (serve) specific communities (divisions) for a four-year term (or until the next scheduled Council elections if elected at a by-election).
Devon has 60 County Councillors serving over 830,000 residents across 58 areas.
Councillors come from diverse backgrounds, with life experience being the
most valuable attribute. No formal qualifications are needed. You can stand
for election as a Devon county councillor if you:
- are 18 years old or older on the day of nomination
- live, work or own property in Devon
- are a British, Commonwealth or European Union citizen
- have not been declared bankrupt or ‘otherwise disqualified’ from
being elected
- are not a Devon County Council employee
Please read the full eligibility qualifications on The Electoral Commission website.
Councillors are community advocates and important links between Devon
County Council and local communities.
They engage with residents and businesses, listen to their views and address concerns, support local projects and encourage collaboration.
They're also involved in developing and reviewing Devon’s policies, strategies, budget and council tax, influencing how the council's responsibilities are delivered.
Some councillors also hold extra responsibilities in the Council's Cabinet, on Committees, or on Boards, and may be involved in specific council projects.
You can find out more about the key responsibilities of a councillor on our website.
Becoming a councillor is a fantastic way to make a positive impact and give back to your local community. Your energy, passion, and dedication can make a real difference and help make Devon a better place to live.
By supporting residents, influencing policies, participating in decision-making and advocating for change, you can help improve the quality of life for local people by voicing their concerns and ensuring they are fairly represented so that they receive the right services.
No specific qualifications are required to be a councillor, but having certain skills and experiences can be beneficial. For example, good communication and problem solving skills, being able to work well as part of a team and being flexible and open-minded.
It's also useful to have diverse experiences like raising a family, caregiving or volunteering and be organised, so that you can effectively manage your time to balance Council business and other commitments.
You can find out more about what skills and experience will help you in the role on our website.
Being a councillor is a wide ranging and changeable role, and we provide continuous development and support so that you can perform your duties and develop new skills in line with the ongoing changes and challenges in local government.
This includes initial induction and ongoing tailored training programs, support from our Democratic Services team, guidance from Council officers in relevant
service areas as well as regular updates and networking opportunities.
Please visit our website for more information about the type of training and support we offer our councillors.
Yes, you can. The Employment Rights Act 1996 requires employers to allow reasonable time off for councillor duties, though the specifics depend on the employer. Discuss this with your employer before standing for election.
Being a councillor could enhance your career prospects as you develop new skills in leadership and communication, knowledge of governance and increased confidence.
Yes, you can. The Public Sector Equality Duty requires local authorities to make reasonable adjustments for disabled councillors. In 2022, 16 per cent of councillors in the South West had a long-term health problem or disability.
The Local Government Association offers guides for people with disabilities considering becoming a councillor. These include ‘Improving access to local government elected office for disabled people’ and ‘Easy read guide to becoming a councillor’.
Being a councillor requires dedication but can be managed alongside other
responsibilities. On average, councillors spend up to 20 hours per week on
council business, with those who have extra responsibilities spending more
time and receiving a special responsibility allowance.
Key responsibilities include responding to constituent queries and attending full council and committee meetings, mostly held during the day at the council’s main offices in Exeter. More time may be needed for travel in rural areas.
Will I be paid?
Councillors don’t receive a salary but get a basic annual allowance of about £15,000 for expenses and time spent on council business. Those with extra responsibilities, like Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs, receive additional allowances.
Additional benefits include training and support; access to the council's employee benefits platform and employee assistance programme.
Do I need to join a political party?
No, you can stand as an Independent candidate or join a political party.
Political groups may have their own candidate selection process and offer additional support with the nomination process and campaigning.
Independent councillors have support from the Local Government Association Independent Group.
All prospective councillors must follow the nomination process.
There are several steps, but don’t worry - you can find more information, including an overview of the process, including dates and contacts, on our website.
For many people, the journey to becoming a councillor starts with having a passion for their local community and a desire to make a difference.
We caught up with some of our current Devon county councillors to discover what inspired some of them and hear what they had to say about the rewards and challenges of representing their communities as well as their advice to anyone considering standing in the May 2025 elections.
You can read about their experiences of the role on our website.
For further information about becoming a councillor in Devon, including how Devon County Council works and details about the nomination process, please visit our website, email members.services@devon.gov.uk or telephone 01392 380 547.
You can also download a printable information guide.
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