Support Councillors Receive
There is a wide range of support available to candidates, and councillors once elected.
The Council will run ‘induction’ training for all new councillors. This will help you to become familiar with the council, its departments, and the expectations and roles of councillors. Councillors are required to attend training for example on safeguarding, planning and the code of conduct. Councillors are also provided with IT equipment and support. Councils offer continual development opportunities throughout the time as a councillor to help with knowledge of council services and to develop personal skills and confidence.
Local Government Association
The Local Government Association (LGA) is the national organisation for councils and provides a wide range of support from how to chair meetings and handle casework from residents; to understanding different council services such as housing, planning or reducing carbon emissions; as well as personal development such as influencing and facilitation skills or supporting residents with complex needs.
The LGA offers cross-party and political networking with other councillors, as well as support in affinity groups such as the ‘weekender’ events for BAME councillors, LGBTQIA+ councillors, disabled councillors, women and young councillors. The LGA also provides support and guides on specific topics from housing and environment to education and leisure.
Other support for councillors
LG Inform is a brilliant (and free) data and benchmarking tool that pulls together the important stats for your local area.
Political parties, the LGA Independent Group and cross-party democracy organisations such as Elect Her, My Life My Say, Operation Black Vote, Shout Out UK, 50:50 Parliament and the Disability Policy Centre provide support, resources and events. There is additional information for disabled people in the Improving Access to Elected Office guidebook, for example more detail on the time commitment, ways of working, reasonable adjustments, as well as information on benefits and Access to Work.
Councillors also network with other councillors which provides another great source of support – this includes councillors from different political groups and different regions.
Standing for election and serving as a councillor is a responsibility, a privilege and highly fulfilling. However, we are aware that councillors and candidates can be subjected to abuse, especially on social media, and that this can put people off. You will find support through other candidates and councillors, political groups and parties, councils and the Local Government Association (LGA). The LGA has a guide with steps that individuals and organisations can take to protect yourself as a person in a public position, and how to respond should an incident occur. Read the Guide to Handling Intimidation.
Blaby District Council is proud to support the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign. The Council has developed guidance to encourage respectful and constructive debate among councillors and to help them lead by example. We take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and intimidation, and the guidance explains how to access support and report incidents.