Become a councillor - find out more at virtual session

A virtual session has been organised to provide people with an insight into the role of local councillors.

With local government elections set to take place in May 2022, the sessions are ideal for anyone who cares passionately about their local community, is able to make challenging decisions and wants to make changes or represent the will of local people.

To help anyone considering standing as a councillor, Bridgend County Borough Council is holding a virtual session for you to learn more about the role.

Taking place on Thursday 25 November at 6.30pm, the hour-long session will outline the role of a councillor and the functions of the council while also explaining the process of becoming a candidate and getting elected.

Anyone who wishes to attend should email membersbcbc@bridgend.gov.uk to request a meeting link which will be issued before the event takes place.

Being a councillor is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is on the electoral register and who has have lived, worked or owned a property in the county borough for at least the past 12 months.

In a new video on Bridgend County Borough Council’s website, councillors Amanda Williams and Dhanisha Patel speak about the role and what it takes to represent the community.

In the video, Councillor Williams, who represents Coity, said: “You really need to be able to listen to people. You need to have empathy to understand what people’s issues are and you need to have knowledge of the area.

“If you know the area, you have a better idea of what is going on and how to resolve those issues.

“I get fantastic support from my fellow councillors and people who I didn’t know before I was elected whom I now consider good friends.

“My advice for anyone considering being a councillor is that if you’re thinking about it, just go for it.”

Compassion is one skill that you need to have to be a councillor, along with patience, determination and communication – there are so many skills. That’s why I think it’s a really good job if you want to develop personally.

No day is the same. You have case work as well as meetings, and as a Cabinet Member, I get the opportunity to contribute to the development of policies within the county borough.

I love the people. I have never worked with people that come from such a broad background. All share a common purpose, and that is to make the borough a better place for everybody. If I was to give anyone advice to stand, I would say do it. It is hard, but it’s one of the most fulfilling jobs you will find out there.

Councillor Patel, Cabinet Member for Well-being and Future Generations

To find out more about becoming a councillor, visit Bridgend County Borough Council’s website.