New Councillor Documents

Councillor Induction Information

1. Meeting Dates – These are subject to change
2. Current Councillors – Please check your details & memberships are correct. If you would like to add some extra information about yourself, please email the details to clerk@bilbrookparishcouncil.gov.uk
3. Agenda Request Form For councillors to request an agenda item.
4. Minutes of previous meetings
5. Policies, Procedures & terms of reference (Committees/Working groups) including:
   • The Code of Conduct
   • The Standing Orders
   • The Financial Regulations
6. Register of Pecuniary Interests Form It is recommended that councillors complete this electronically, keep a copy on their own computer and send a copy to the clerk. This means it is easier to update if circumstances change. The forms must be physically signed (i.e. no scanned signatures)
7. Dispensation Procedure & Form Enables Councillors to take part in a discusion in which they have an interest.
8. Council Finances including:
   • Budget Summary
   • The Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)
9. Transparency Code for Smaller Councils (Adopted as best practice)
10. As a member of NALC, councillors can access a wealth of information. Please login first before clicking on the link:

 Login: staffsmember 

 Password: wogok32

Councillor Guides

• The Good Councillor’s Guide (Hard copy available from the office)
• The Good Councillor’s Guide to Finance and Transparency
• The Good Councillor’s Guide to Neighbourhood Planning
• The Good Councillor’s Guide to Being a Good Employer
• Roles and Responsibilities – Clerk, Councillors, Chairman

11. Declaration of Acceptance of Office – Elected Councillor / Co-Opted Councillor
12. Councillor Contact Details Form & Consent Form
13. Parish Staff – The Parish Council currently employs 7 part-time staff
14. The Parish Office – opening hours and contact details
15. Bilbrook Parish Council has the General Power of Competence
16. Parish Maps

• Google Map
• Ward Map

17. Planning – All planning applications can be found on the District Council Planning Portal. It is recommended that you set up an account and track Bilbrook’s planning applications. https://planning.sstaffs.gov.uk/online-applications/    Below are additional links to useful planning guidance:

• Planning Explained
• What are material considerations? – Planning Portal