Council Chairman
Parish Councils have a duty to appoint a Chairman at their annual meeting held in May each year and are not lawfully constituted without one. The role of the Chairman at a meeting is to:
- formally preside at the meeting;
- ensure that the meeting considers all business which has been set before it;
- keep control of the meeting;
- maintain order; and
- apply Standing Orders that the meeting is subject to.
For the 2023/24 year, Cllr Malcolm Watson is our Chairman.
Councillors
The primary role of a Great Shelford Parish Councillor is to represent the village of Great Shelford and the people who live in it. When at full strength, there are 15 Councillors. Our Parish Councillors are here to be the link between the community, Great Shelford Parish Council, and other statutory bodies including our District and County councils.
As well as being a champion for residents and signposting them to the right people at the council, a Parish Councillor also needs to keep residents informed about the issues that affect them or may affect them.
It is a duty that our Councillors understand and represent local views and priorities, by building strong relationships and encouraging local people to make their views known and engage with them and the council. Good communication and engagement are central to being an effective Councillor.
Residents will expect that Parish Councillors:
- respond to their queries and investigate their concerns;
- communicate council decisions that affect them;
- know the village and are aware of any problems;
- know and work with representatives of local organisations, interest groups and businesses;
- represent their views at council meetings; and
- lead local campaigns on their behalf.
In addition to being Councillor, most Councillors have a role to be our contact with local groups and organisations. A list of the areas of responsibility can be found here.
