The role of a councillor

Councillors are elected for a 4-year term to represent the people in their ward on the City Council.

They address various issues and priorities within their local community.

Councillors must consider the needs of the broader community, while also working with individuals and groups.

Roles and responsibilities

As well as being directly involved with the local community, councillors:

  • serve on committees influencing council decisions and policies
  • work with other organisations, such as the police, local schools and health services, to help improve services

City Council's Constitution

Further details of the roles of councillors are contained within the City Council's Constitution.

The Constitution, agreed by the City Council, governs how the Council operates, how decisions are made, and the procedures followed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability to local people.

Code of Conduct

All councillors agree to accept, abide by and perform their duties in accordance with these terms when they are sworn into office.

As part of the code of conduct, Councillors are also required to complete and keep up to date their statutory register of interests.

Compensation

Councillors are not paid a salary for the work that they do, but they do receive allowances.

Committee membership

Councillors are appointed to serve on various committees.

The membership of Committees is confirmed annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the City Council.

The City Council is responsible for:

Committee meetings

Committee meetings are streamed live.

Dates of meetings, minutes, reports and agendas are held on the City Council Committee Management Information System (CMIS).

Induction and training

Councillors are invited to take part in an induction programme as soon as they are elected. This programme gives them an introduction to the City Council.

Following this, they take part in training and development opportunities throughout their 4-year term of office to help them in their role.

How to become a councillor

Read about becoming a councillor.

Page last updated: 7 May 2025

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