Please note that these dates refer to the May 2011 elections. They will be updated nearer to the next elections in 2015.
A training and induction programme is offered to all councillors after the election to familiarise them with the structure and working arrangements of the Council. Specific training is given for those involved in planning, licensing, overview and scrutiny and cabinet roles. Skills training e.g. IT, media communications, chairing of meetings is arranged. The political groups may also arrange induction for their members.
Every councillor when elected must undertake to observe the Council’s Local Code of Conduct. The Council’s Standards Committee, with councillors and independent members of the public, guides and monitors the conduct of councillors as a whole and deals with complaints about the conduct of councillors. The organisation Standards for England currently sets the national framework (see contact details below).
All councillors elected must make and sign their Declaration of Acceptance of Office as soon as possible. If elected you will be asked to attend the Council`s Annual and Ordinary Meeting due to be held on Thursday 19 May 2011. That will decide the Council`s working arrangements including the appointment of councillors to panels and committees.
Elections to parish and town councils in Bath and North East Somerset will also be held on 5 May 2011. For information on the procedures contact the Electoral Services Office at the Guildhall, Bath or your local parish or town council clerk who will have sets of nomination papers available for issue from 21 March 2011.
Bath and North East Somerset Electoral Services Office, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW; tel. 01225 477431; email: elections@bathnes.gov.uk
Electoral Commission, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW; tel. 020 7271 0706; website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Eland House, Bressenden Place, London. SW1E 5DU Tel. 020 7944 4400 website www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment
Standards for England, Fourth Floor, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester. M1 1BB; Tel: 0161 8175300; website: www.standardsforengland.gov.uk
For further information on any of the topics covered above please contact Tom Dunne, Democratic Services Manager tel 01225 394360 / email: tom_dunne@bathnes.gov.uk.
This publication about becoming a Bath & North East Somerset Councillor can be made available in a range of community languages, large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from tel: 01225 477492.