Advice for Newly Elected Council Members

You have campaigned hard, your passion is radiating through your speeches and you have finally secured your position as an elected member at a local authority. But, as the crowds disperse and the frenzy of the election process calms, the reality begins to sink in. Shit. I now have to actually help run the local authority. Look, whilst being a member is an amazing opportunity and privilege for any individual, it is not as glamorous as sexy, when the budgetary pressures, responsibility and overall scale of your role come into focus. Having said that if you think about the following pieces of advice, it will give you the best chance of really starting on your political journey with the focus and stability to thrive whilst representing your community as an elected member.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." – Simon Sinek

Understand Your Role

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Take the time to really understand your role and ensure that you understand the direction that the Leader and the Party you represent is taking. Seek out experienced members even those who aren’t in the same party to get advice on what to do and equally what to avoid doing. Really understand the different roles between that of an officer and that of a member. Your primary responsibility is to set policy and direction for the council. Focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations.

Stay Informed

Research, study, and discuss issues through thoroughly. You have to ensure that you are keeping yourself informed, as this is crucial for effective decision-making. One of the big changes that you will need to have is not having tunnel vision on one topic or cause, even if that is what got you into power. You need to have a strategic overview as to the areas that

Balance Your Time

You need to ensure that you have a really clear prioritisation matrix, to ensure that you are spending your time on things that matter. You also need to stay consciously aware of your health and build in steps to avoid burnout. Working as a member is both a marathon and a sprint, so take the time to recognise which phase you are in. Take time to do things that you enjoy and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Be consistent, deliver on your promises and ensure your word means something

There is nothing worse than an unpredictable colleague. Or someone who continuously changes their position on a topic area without fulfilling commitments. In order to achieve meaningful change and deliver for your community you will need a majority. It is important your colleagues and the perfect know who you are, what you stand for and that your word means something. At the same time give yourself time to process information and don’t be definitive with your choice of wording. Wiggle room is something that if handled in the right way can make you come as considered rather than reactive and unpredictable.

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." – Ralph Nader

Respect and Fairness

The work you do is important, but at the same time we are all human beings. When you interact with your peers, the opposition and other officers treat them with the respect and kindness with which you would want to be treated. When people come to you looking for help to address issues, help them or guide them to appropriate resources. In order to protect yourself I would recommend building in some psychological safety measures to ensure if you are struggling to respond in the right emotional manner to a situation, by yourself some time and don’t act impulsively. Trust takes a long time to build, but only a moment to be eroded.

Budgeting 

Keeping an eye on the bottom line has always been an important aspect of the role as member, but it has never been as important as it is now. With finances every more stretched, you have to really keep an eye on the finances. I think a refreshing approach to look at spend as an investment and embracing the preventative methodology to problems we are experiencing as a sector. Leaving part of the budget aside in this manner can really help the longer term financial situation of the council.

Effective budgeting is the cornerstone of local governance, ensuring that limited resources are strategically allocated to meet community needs, promote fiscal responsibility, and foster transparency.

Transparency

Whether it is an officer, member or a resident in your community, I always believe that if you can act with transparency and integrity as your motivating factors then the majority of the messages will be well received.

"Transparency is not about restoring trust in institutions. Transparency is the politics of managing mistrust." - Ivan Krastev

Clear Policy

UK politicians in local government need to provide clear policy statements to ensure transparency and accountability. Clear policies help residents understand the government's priorities and actions, fostering trust and engagement. When policies are well-defined, it becomes easier for residents to hold their representatives accountable and participate in the democratic process. Additionally, clear policy statements can prevent misunderstandings and misinformation, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the direction and goals of local governance. This clarity is essential for effective decision-making and community support.

Follow Procedures & stick to the rules

It should go without saying, but it is imperative that you stick to the rules. There has been an erosion in the trust of those within position of political power at the national and local level. When you combine the lack of understanding along with the challenges that the communities are facing and the complexities that local government must face, if you break the rules, with corruption or your conduct, you will not only damage your reputation but you damage the vehicle with which we can support and future proof our communities for the residents, namely the council.

Consistently communicate with your residents

UK politicians in local government need to find effective ways to communicate with the residents in their community to ensure transparency and foster trust. Open and consistent communication helps residents stay informed about government initiatives, policies, and decisions that affect their daily lives. By engaging with the community through various channels, such as town hall meetings, social media, and newsletters, politicians can better understand the needs and concerns of their residents. This two-way communication not only builds stronger relationships but also encourages active participation in the democratic process, leading to more responsive and inclusive council.

"The art of communication is the language of leadership." - James Humes

The journey you are embarking on as an elected member is one that should always fill you with pride and my hope is that if you follow these strategies you can land well and deliver for your communities as their elected member. Always be yourself and even though it is not said anywhere near enough, thank you for the work that you do. Local government would not exist without people like you. Never forget that.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi

This blog post was sponsored by Local Partnerships LLP, who help local authorities to deliver projects and implement changes efficiently. They offer expertise in climate adaptation, energy efficiency, waste management, housing, infrastructure, procurement, and digital transformation, ensuring excellent value for money and meeting key priorities.