Information for New Councillors

The following is a list of basic reference information primarily for new councillors - though existing councillors may also find some of it useful reference or refresher material.

1. The good councillor’s guide [2024 version]
2. The Council’s Standing Orders and its Financial Regulations.
3. The Council’s Code of Conduct (see also Vale Training Info at bottom of this page), DCLG Guide on Openness and Transparency, Register of Interests, Acceptance of Office and Publication Scheme.
4. The Council's Aims and Objectives. (2024/25 under development)
5. List of councillors responsibilities. This is a fuller list than the public facing one https://www.uffington.net/app/download/10374398/Councillor+Responsibilities+2023_24_web.pdf (2024/25 under development)
6. The Council's Policies and Procedures and Lists and Registers.
7. Maps showing the Parish Boundary, AONB, Footpaths, Conservation Area and Listed Buildings.
8.  Maps showing land owned by the parish, TPO’s, SSSI and other relevant planning designations. [remainder to follow - MO to produce]
9. The Neighbourhood Plan /Local District Plan and other current (and past) planning decision documents. A Neighbourhood Plan summary and policy list is here - please make sure you read at least this!
10. Contact details of councillors, clerk and relevant people at the District Council along with Councillors' specific responsibilities.
11. Dates and Minutes of meetings.
12. Informatiuon and Data Security Policies and Privacy Notices.
13. Training courses available from OALC https://www.oalc.org.uk/events. Please book through the Clerk. New councillors are strongly encouraged to attend the Councillor Fundamentals course - see Event Details - OALC and book through the Clerk.
14. List of Services provided by County and District Councils

Please note that the latest budget and other documents are available separately.

You may also find these documents of interest/relevance:

• GDPR Toolkit
• CIL Briefing guide 
• Sustainable Communities Toolkit 
• The Good Councillors Guide to Finance and Transparency

The Parish Council uses a mapping sysytem (GIS) called Parish Online. An overview is available if you are interested in learning how to use this useful and powerful tool. Please ask Mike for login details.

Below is some additional Code of Conduct information from a Vale training session