Get involved

Councillor vacancies | Staff vacancies | Volunteer roles

Keevil has a long and rich history of individuals and groups who help make our little corner of Wiltshire the awesome place to live that it is. Becoming part of the Parish Council – whether as a councillor, staff, emergency volunteer, or part of an advisory group, sub-committee or work party – is one way that you can get involved and help make a difference to the lives of everyone in Keevil.

Are you passionate about our village life? Do you want to help make a change that will stand the test of time? Do you have fresh ideas for the council and our community? Is there a specific issue you want to do something about? If this sounds like you, then we need you! 

We are always keen to hear from residents who’d like to volunteer their expertise in a certain area. See here for the volunteer roles we’re currently looking for help with – a willingness to get stuck in is always the most important quality!

Becoming a Councillor

What does a councillor do?

A Councillor doesn’t just attend council meetings – it’s the everyday contact throughout our community that is so vital. A councillor is there to:

  • Listen and be a voice for the views of the people we represent;
  • Act as an ambassador and advocate for our community;
  • Try to improve quality of life in our parish;
  • Offer support and guidance where we can.

Make a Change…

As part of their MAKE A CHANGE campaign, the National Association of Local Councillors (NALC) have created a great library of councillor stories and other resources for anyone considering getting involved with their community as a councillor – including an introduction from the unlikely 2021 online sensation Jackie Weaver, plus a useful series of four videos here made by NALC in March for International Womens Day 2023.

Amy Knox, now a Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons, recently blogged an excellent article here.

It is unlikely that anyone would disagree that diversity, equality and inclusivity lie at the heart of healthy communities and good, balanced governance – yet women and parents with younger families are still woefully under-represented in local councils, including here in Keevil. We’d really like to see that change.

“If mums don’t have a seat at the table, then the issues that affect them will continue to be overlooked […].” ~ Mumsnet, Feb 2023

Thinking of standing for election?

In Keevil, as for much of Wiltshire, the next scheduled elections will be in May 2025, so now is a good time to start thinking about whether there’s something for you. Whatever your age or background, if you have something to contribute, talk to us or come to a meeting to see how we work…

We’ll post details on how to stand for the 2025 election in Wiltshire soon, in the meantime there’s lots of information available from the Electoral Commission: www.electoralcommission.org.uk 

How to stand if a mid-term vacancy for co-option occurs

Although it doesn’t usually happen often, from time to time a “casual vacancy” for a councillor might arise mid-term in an administration. If this happens, the parish council will follow the process laid out in it’s Co-option Policy. Both statutory notices and casual vacancies will appear here and on the council’s noticeboard on Stocks Corner. 

Would I be eligible?

You are able to stand for election (or co-option if a casual vacancy occurs and an election is not called) if you are:

  • A British subject or Commonwealth citizen;
  • Aged over 18;

Plus are one of the following:

  • An elector within the parish of Keevil;
  • Have during the whole of the 12 months before nomination or election –
    • resided in Keevil or within three miles of it or
    • occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in Keevil or
    • had your principal or only place of work here. 

You cannot stand for election (or co-option) to Keevil Parish Council if you

  • are subject of a bankruptcy restriction order, debt relief restrictions order, or interim order;
  • have, within five years before election or co-option, or since, been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man of any offence and had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of more than three months without the option of a fine;
  • you hold a paid office or other place of profit in the gift or disposal of Keevil Parish Council or a company under their control.

Downloads:

All members of the Parish Councillor must sign up to the Code of Conduct and make declaration to the Register of Interests.