• Introduction
• Part 1You can be a councillor
• Part 2How do I get elected?
• Part 3What will my boss say?
• Part 4How much time do I have to commit?
• Part 5Will I get paid?
• Part 6Will I receive support and training?
• Part 7Can I specialise in areas of interest?
• Part 8Becoming a councillor

Part 4

How much time do I have to commit?

The time you devote to the role will depend on the commitments and roles you take on as a councillor, but can range from between 5 to 20 hours per week. A Councillor who has responsibility for a Cabinet remit is likely to spend more than 20 hours per week on Council business.

There are a number of meetings which you will have to attend, which might include Committee meetings at the Councils main offices in Exeter or local / regional organisations to which you may be appointed. You will also need to spend time dealing with your constituents’ queries.

The National Census of Local Authority Councillors in England provides the most comprehensive ‘snapshot’ of local government representation and analyses of trends over time, asking Councillors about their work as councillors, their views on a range of issues and their personal background.

Once elected to Devon County Council, you can be a councillor for a maximum of four years when elections will be held again.