New Councillor Information

We are excited you have become a new councillor at Redenhall with Harleston Town Council. This page aims to provide you with the key information you need to start in your role alongside your comprehensive induction with the Town Clerk.

This page provides a one stop shop for everything you need to get started as a Town Councillor. Underneath you will find a range of links to key documents which will support you with your journey in becoming a councillor. We are looking forward to working with you for the benefit of our community!

Councillor Induction Pack

• Councillor Induction Pack – This pack has been prepared for new councillors or for anyone who is considering becoming a councillor.
• Who is responsible for what – We work within the overall structure of local government which is a three-tier system – Norfolk County Council (top tier), South Norfolk Council and Redenhall with Harleston Town Council (bottom tier). Although all three councils work together, they all have their roles and responsibilities and each is independent of the others.
• Code of Conduct– Redenhall with Harleston Town Council adopted the The Local Government Association (LGA) Model Councillor Code of Conduct and has committed to reviewing the Code on an annual basis.
• Civility and Respect Pledge – Redenhall with Harleston Town Council believes now is the time to put Civility and Respect at the Top of the Agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector. All councillors MUST respect the pledge that has been taken.
• Declaration Acceptance of Office – Each town councillor will be required to complete a Declaration of Acceptance of Office. You will need to fill this in before you can act as a councillor – so please ensure you complete this before the first Town Council meeting. These forms are retained by the Town Council.
• PARISH Cllr Register of Interest form – LGA 2023   You can also find a handy annotated version here to help you through the process PARISH Cllr Register of Interest form – LGA 2023_annotated
• Guidance 2023 – pecuniary interests & LGA model code – All town councillors should complete a new Register of Interest Form this includes new and returning members. This must be completed within 28 days of the election.  South Norfolk Council do not require a wet signature on the form. Please ensure that these are completed electronically – they will not be able to accept hand-written forms as these will not meet accessibility requirements for publication on their website.  This form can be sent to the Clerk via email Clerk@harleston-tc.gov.uk to forward onto South Norfolk Council but the email must include the the following wording: I confirm that the attached forms were completed by (Your name ie, Cllr Smith) named on the attached form/s and I authorise these to be sent to the Monitoring Officer as my complete Register of Interests.  Alternatively Councillors can send the form via email directly to the Monitoring Officer at South Norfolk Council monitoringofficer@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Declaration Interests Flow Chart

Declarations of Interest Flowchart and Tables 2023

Councillor Induction Check Lists

New town councillors are asked to download the following documents to help with their induction to the Council.  These are in place to help welcome and support councillors adjust to their new roles and provide them with as much information as possible.

• Induction checklist for the completion of documentation and site visits.  This provides a reminder to each councillor what documentation must be completed and by when.  Site visits are also organised to ensure new councillors become familiar with council staff, council assets and council land. Councillor training is also organised with outside organisations to provide more knowledge and confidence.
• What new councillors need to know.  Within this document councillors can view and download lots of information that can help them understand more about the Council and being a Councillor.  The majority of the information can be found on the Town Council website but this document provides you with the direct links to the documents for ease.
• GDPR Checklist for Councillors– Each councillor will be required to complete the GDPR checklist form. The following measures are recommended to help councillors comply with The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as applies in the UK. Whilst town councils are expected to comply with GDPR, individual councillors will also need to ensure that they protect an individual’s personal data whether it is stored electronically or as a hard copy. These completed forms are retained by the Town Council.
• Evaluation Summary for Councillors – Each town councillor will be required to complete the summary once their induction has been completed.

Other useful information 

• List of Powers and Duties – Local Councils have a wide range of powers and but very few duties. A duty is an activity that must be carried out (Mandatory) e.g. local councils must appoint a chairman and a clerk and a Power is Statutory powers, granted by Parliament that give local councils the choice or opportunity to take action and are therefore discretionary.
• Open Forum Public Participation at Meetings – Councillors must understand the rules around Public Participation at meetings.  Members of the public are welcome to let your council know if anything in the town is of concern so that action can be considered on your behalf.
• Drop In Surgery – If residents prefer a more casual setting they can attend the Town Councillor Drop-In Surgery every 3rd Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm at Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston. It’s a chance for residents to connect directly with council members.
• The Good Councillors Guide – This guide introduces the work of local councils and the part you play as a councillor in the tier of local government closest to the people. You will also find it a useful reference.
• Policy documents – All policies  of the town council including Terms of Reference for each of the committees, Standing Orders and the Financial Regulations. Should you wish to be considered for co-option the council has a Casual Vacancy and Co-Option Policy

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