towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Ever thought about becoming a local councillor? Chances are it’s never crossed your mind. But if you’re community-minded, love where you live but want to make it better, and have a bit of free time, it could be right up your street. 

Interested? Well, the good news is we’ve got one vacancy up for grabs. And we’re looking for someone (just like you) to move us up from our team of 13 to a full complement of 14. 

What does being a town councillor involve?

Town councils focus on maintaining their assets and supporting community projects that enhance the town.  Our remit, for example, includes the mere and the park, local events like our town carnival, our lovely market, the Youth & Community Centre and other open spaces such as the cemetery and sports ground.

What you choose to get involved in is up to you. 

Perhaps you’ve got a pet passion such as the environment? Or a more general desire to improve the quality of life for your family and friends, neighbours and colleagues. Either way, whether it’s people or parks, if you’re elected and in council you’re best-placed to make a change.   

How much time you commit usually depends on the focus of your role. But you are very much in control of what you do and when you do it. And, remember, this is a voluntary role (most of our councillors have paid jobs too). So, our council meetings are usually held in the evenings, approximately every two weeks. This makes the role easier to slot in alongside your day-job.

But it’s not all about meetings. The most important aspect of being a town councillor is the contact you have on a daily basis with people in your community. This could be through your job, through where you live, or via your friends and family. 

Your interactions with other local people, your knowledge of what matters to them, and your ability to represent their best interests is what’s most important. 

Who can apply?

Almost anyone and everyone can apply. We want our council to be as diverse as possible so there are just a few basic requirements. These are that you must:

• be at least 18 years of age

• be British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union 

• be registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

• not be declared bankrupt

• not have had a criminal conviction within the last five years which involved a custodial sentence of three months or more.

If you don’t feel you have the right skills or level of confidence, please don’t worry or let that discourage you. We’ll provide all the time, support, information and training you need to grow into your new role. What matters most is your energy and enthusiasm for making Diss a better place. 

How do I apply?

If you’re interested (and we hope you are), the first step is to complete our short application form and get your application proposed and seconded by two members of the current council.  Full Council will then consider your application at its next meeting, which you are welcome to attend.  

Simple. 

And, finally, good luck! We look forward to meeting you.