At a recent webinar hosted by local government professionals, a lively discussion unfolded about the future of local councils and the urgent need to recruit and inspire new clerks and councillors. Stories were shared that underscored both the impact of these roles and the diversity of those who step into them.
Take Emma Payne, a veteran clerk with years of experience, who transformed a struggling community space into a thriving hub through her innovative leadership. Or Samuel Dickins, a fresh-faced deputy clerk who recently transitioned from student union roles into local governance, bringing new energy and ideas to his council. Their stories are a testament to the profound impact clerks and councillors can have—regardless of where they are on their career journey.
These discussions highlighted a common challenge: many people don’t know these roles exist, let alone the incredible opportunities they offer to make a difference. It’s time to change that narrative. By sharing stories like Emma’s and Samuel’s and adopting innovative recruitment strategies, we can unlock the potential of the next generation and ensure our communities continue to thrive.
Here’s how we can make clerking and council roles visible, accessible, and exciting to a wider audience.
1. Shine a Light on the Role
Highlighting Impactful Stories
The best way to spark interest is by sharing real-life stories. For instance, Emma Payne’s work on a skatepark consultation revitalised a local community space, and Samuel Dickins’ efforts to champion public toilet renovations in his town showcased the tangible difference clerks and councillors make.
Visibility Through Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for amplifying the stories of clerks and councillors. By sharing their day-to-day experiences, these professionals can showcase how dynamic and impactful their roles are, breaking down stereotypes and replacing the image of a “minute-taker” with that of a community hero.
Here are some inspiring clerks and councillors actively sharing their experiences and making a difference in local governance. Explore their profiles to see how they are shaping their communities and inspiring others:
- Emma Payne View LinkedIn Profile
A veteran clerk with a history of turning challenges into opportunities, Emma has revitalized community spaces and led impactful projects that bring people together. - Keira Lake View LinkedIn Profile
Keira brings fresh energy to local governance with her innovative approach to council operations, inspiring a new generation to get involved. - Rosemary (Rosie) Smart, BA (Hons) View LinkedIn Profile
Rosie combines a deep understanding of local governance with a passion for community engagement, creating meaningful changes for the residents she serves. - Samuel Dickins View LinkedIn Profile
A deputy clerk who transitioned from student leadership roles, Samuel injects innovation and youthful enthusiasm into his council's initiatives. - Elaine Brown, PSLCC, Cert HE View LinkedIn Profile
Elaine’s dedication to professional development and community impact highlights the transformative power of strong leadership in local councils.
By following these profiles, potential clerks and councillors can see firsthand how fulfilling and impactful these roles can be. These individuals are not just administrators—they are leaders, changemakers, and community heroes. Sharing profiles like these demystifies local governance and inspires the next generation to step up and make a difference.
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2. Make It Personal: Align Recruitment with Interests
One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the power of connecting recruitment efforts to issues that genuinely resonate with potential candidates. Emma Payne emphasized that councils should shift their focus away from the administrative aspects of these roles and instead invite individuals to engage with projects that align with their passions. For example, asking someone to contribute to the refurbishment of a play area or to support a community in objecting to a contentious planning application can immediately show the impact they can have.
Similarly, Jo Peters, a clerk to three small councils in Suffolk, shared a practical approach to engaging younger residents. By inviting those living near play areas to report issues directly to the council, Jo fostered an immediate sense of involvement and responsibility. This simple yet effective strategy not only introduced them to the council’s work but also sparked their curiosity about the broader role of local governance. In many cases, this initial engagement has been the catalyst for these residents to explore councillor roles—and even join the council.
By tapping into people’s existing interests and showing how their contributions can directly improve their community, councils can turn passive interest into active involvement. This personal connection often becomes the driving force that inspires individuals to take on clerk or councillor roles, seeing them not as bureaucratic positions but as meaningful ways to make a real difference.
3. Broaden the Recruitment Net
Appealing to Young People and Career Changers
Local governance is an excellent career option for recent graduates, career changers, and even retirees looking for meaningful work. Engaging with schools, universities, and career fairs can plant the seed early. Samuel’s journey from student union roles to deputy clerk highlights how transferable skills can lead to success in local councils.
Mentorship and Shadowing
Structured mentorship programs can bridge the knowledge gap for newcomers. Nicola Gray, a veteran clerk, shared how her mentorship of Samuel provided him with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of his role. Nicola also highlighted the importance of bringing fresh talent into the sector by hiring young clerks. Younger professionals bring new perspectives, technological fluency, and a willingness to innovate—qualities that can complement the experience of seasoned team members.
Ready to build the next generation of council leaders?
Join the Scribe Mentorship Program today! Whether you’re a seasoned clerk looking to share your expertise or a newcomer eager to learn, the program connects professionals to foster collaboration, growth, and success. Sign up now and start shaping the future of local governance!
Clerk Mentoring Program Sign-Up Form
4. Invest in Training and Development
Accessible and Flexible Training
Introductory courses like the ILCA (Introduction to Local Council Administration) are fantastic entry points for those new to clerking. Making these courses more visible and accessible—perhaps even subsidised—can lower barriers to entry.
Simplified Onboarding
First impressions matter. Councils should create structured onboarding plans that guide new clerks or councillors step-by-step, easing them into the role. This approach not only improves retention but also builds confidence.
5. Foster a Sense of Community
Engaging Events and Outreach
Local events are an underrated recruitment tool. Whether it’s a town fair or a webinar, informal settings allow potential candidates to connect with clerks and councillors and learn about the role’s rewards.
Youth Involvement
Involving younger generations through junior council roles or school partnerships can create a pipeline of future clerks and councillors. By engaging early, we inspire a sense of civic duty that can last a lifetime.
6. Encourage Word-of-Mouth Recruitment
Leverage Referrals
Jo Peters suggests tapping into the networks of current clerks and councillors. A referral incentive program could be a game-changer, recognising those who successfully recommend someone to the role.
7. Emphasise Flexibility and Inclusivity
Work-Life Balance
Clerking and councillor roles often offer flexible schedules, making them ideal for parents, retirees, or anyone juggling multiple commitments. Sharing stories of individuals who’ve thrived in these roles while balancing family life can inspire others to follow suit.
Why It Matters
Local governance shapes our everyday lives in ways many people overlook. By improving recruitment strategies, we not only fill roles—we empower communities to thrive. The next time someone says, “I had no idea this role existed,” let’s make sure we’re there with a compelling story and a clear path forward.
It’s time to unlock the door to local governance and inspire the next generation of clerks and councillors. Let’s make the roles as visible, accessible, and exciting as the impact they create.
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